The European Commission has announced €171 million in support aimed at boosting infrastructure development and private sector growth in the Western Balkans. However, Kosovo will not benefit from these funds.
“With regard to Kosovo, it has not yet fulfilled the legal conditions to receive payments, as it has not ratified the Loan and Grant Agreement under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. Therefore, Kosovo cannot benefit from the funds of this instrument. We hope this issue will be resolved soon,” European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Of the total amount allocated for development support in the Western Balkans, €94.7 million is earmarked for infrastructure investments, €76.3 million for private sector support, while €2.9 million has been allocated to four technical assistance projects in Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
These projects are focused on preparing future investments in the energy, water supply, innovation, and research sectors.
According to the European Commission, the funds allocated for infrastructure projects are expected to mobilize a total of €263 million in investments through seven projects in priority sectors, including digitalization, clean energy, human capital, transport, and environmental protection.
The projects include the deployment of broadband internet infrastructure in Albania, improvements to the electricity transmission system in North Macedonia, and the construction and energy-efficient renovation of educational facilities in North Macedonia and Montenegro.
According to the Commission, the projects will be implemented by Western Balkan partners in cooperation with international financial institutions.
“Investing in our partners in the Western Balkans is essential to bringing them closer to the European Union. More than two years after the adoption of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, we have worked—also through the Western Balkans Investment Framework—to turn commitments into concrete action. From improving infrastructure to strengthening business development, these investments create real opportunities for citizens and make the EU a tangible reality across the region,” said European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos in a statement, RFE/RL reported.
The new support package includes investment contributions from several EU financial instruments, including the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), bilateral donors through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, and the Reform and Growth Facility.
“Today’s financing package includes investment projects and technical assistance projects approved today, further strengthening the EU’s commitment to sustainable growth and regional connectivity in the Western Balkans,” the Commission said.
Following approval by the Operational Board of the Western Balkans Investment Framework, the projects may proceed to the implementation phase. This involves finalizing the necessary agreements with partner institutions and beneficiaries, launching preparatory studies for technical assistance activities, and completing the required procedures for the implementation of private sector projects. Once these processes are completed, the EU-backed investments may begin.
