European Union and the Western Balkans
The Western Balkans are an integral part of Europe. We share a continent, and we work best when we work together.
The European Union and the region work together towards
- the long-term economic recovery
- green & digital transition
- faster regional integration and
- convergence with the EU
The Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans 2021-2027, put forward by the European Commission in October 2020, is a clear sign of the EU’s commitment to these goals in the region.
Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans 2021-2027
The Economic and Investment Plan identifies 10 investment flagships and allocates a substantial financial package of up to €9 billion in EU funds, with a potential to mobilise up to €20 billion of investments through the Western Balkan Guarantee Facility.
The Plan supports investments on sustainable transport, clean energy, environment and climate, digital future, competitiveness of the business sector, human capital development.
The new EU connectivity strategy, the Global Gateway, launched in September 2021, builds on the objectives and flagship investments of the Economic & Investment Plan for Western Balkans in the areas of transport, digital and energy, which contribute to strengthened connectivity within the region and with the EU.
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) includes:
- the Western Balkans Enterprise Development and Innovation Facility
- the Western Balkans Guarantee Facility
The WBIF is the main vehicle for the implementation of such ambitious recovery plan for the region.