Transport Corridor X, a key Pan-European arterial route running north-south, passes through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia and Greece, and is the backbone of the extension of the TEN-T Network (the European Union's north-south, east-west transport connection strategy) in the Western Balkans. Being aimed at developing quality infrastructure in Europe, this project has a clear regional strategic dimension.
The realisation of the project has closed the main missing link on Corridor X Serbia on the route from Belgrade to Thessaloniki and Sofia:
As such, the project is strategically important in the region, serving international and local traffic demand and improving one of the few remaining bottlenecks on the 1,500 km long Corridor. Time savings, reduced accidents and vehicle operating cost savings will contribute to the many economic benefits of this project. By facilitating improved links to the broader geographic area, its benefits will be felt by locals and international travellers.
WBIF has provided a €4.5 million grant for project management activities and special studies. This includes €3 million with EIB as Lead IFI for geotechnical and structural expertise, detailed design, quantity surveying and traffic management systems, and €1.5 million with EBRD as Lead IFI. The WBIF technical assistance is coordinated with the World Bank as well, one of the co-financiers of the project.
Supporting Road Connections in the Western Balkans: Corridor X Motorway. (c) EIB
Supporting Road Connections in the Western Balkans: The Corridor X Motorway
| WBIF | Grant | WB1-SER-TRA-01 | € 4,500,000 |
| EIB | Loan | € 384,000,000 | |
| EBRD | Loan | € 150,000,000 | |
| WB | Loan | € 275,480,000 | |
| Beneficiary Contribution | Own Contribution | € 251,020,000 | |
| EIB | Loan | € 265,000,000 | |
| EU IPA Contribution | External Grant | € 30,000,000 | |
| Total | € 1,360,000,000 | ||
| Total Grants | € 4,500,000 | ||
| Total Loans | € 1,074,480,000 | ||
