European Commission secures €171 million support package for the Western Balkans

The package brings together investment grants from several EU funding instruments, including the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III), the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) and the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF). Funding will support projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia, combining infrastructure investments with technical assistance and private sector support.

Most of the funding, €91.8 million, is allocated to infrastructure projects and is expected to mobilise around €263 million in total investments in areas such as digital connectivity, clean energy, education, transport and environmental protection. Projects include broadband deployment in Albania, upgrades to electricity transmission systems and educational facilities in North Macedonia and Montenegro, the electrification of the Durrës–Tirana railway line, and water and wastewater treatment projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

An additional €76.3 million will support private sector programmes focused on small and medium-sized enterprises, green and circular economy initiatives, alternative financing mechanisms, and the strengthening of public-private partnership capacities, including in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The projects will move into implementation following approval by the Operational Board of the Western Balkans Investment Framework and the completion of required agreements and preparatory procedures.

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said that investing in Western Balkan partners is essential for bringing the region closer to the European Union, stressing that these investments create tangible opportunities for citizens and reinforce the EU’s presence across the region.