Western Balkans Investment Framework

Background

The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) is a joint financial platform of the European Commission, financial organisations, EU Member States, and Norway aimed at enhancing cooperation in public and private sector investments for the region's socio-economic development in the Western Balkans. Launched in 2009, the WBIF is the main financial vehicle for implementing the EU's ambitious Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans.

In short
  • Investment Grants: Non-reimbursable funds provided to co-finance investment projects.
  • Technical Assistance Grants: Funds provided for project preparation and implementation support.
  • Interest Rate Subsidies: Financial contributions to reduce the cost of loans for specific projects.
5 main pillars

The WBIF has 5 pillars:

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Decarbonisation and climate resilience

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Circular economy

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Depollution: air, water & soil

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Biodiversity: protection & restoration of ecosystems

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Biodiversity: protection & restoration of ecosystems

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Governance and implementation

The primary beneficiaries of WBIF are the Western Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The framework helps these countries align their infrastructure and economic development with EU standards, facilitating their EU integration process. Since its inception, WBIF has supported numerous projects, contributing to the development of key infrastructure, improving public services, and fostering regional cooperation. This has led to significant improvements in areas such as transportation networks, energy supply, environmental protection, and social infrastructure.