Improving connectivity within the Western Balkans, as well as between the Western Balkans and the European Union, constitutes a key factor for growth and jobs and will bring clear benefits for the region’s economies and citizens.
The Western Balkans have made the connectivity agenda one of their highest priorities, with a special emphasis on the preparation and financing of concrete regional infrastructure investment projects and on the implementation of technical standards and reform measures (e.g.: aligning/simplifying border crossing procedures, railway reforms, information systems, road safety and maintenance schemes, unbundling and third-party access).
In 2015, the European Commission set aside up to €1 billion in grants until 2020, from the EU Pre-Accession Instrument, to support the connectivity agenda. In November 2020 at the summit in Sofia, the Western Balkan leaders welcomed the 2020 connectivity package with six projects in the areas of sustainable transport and clean energy. This package completes the delivery of the EU's 2015 pledge, while at the same time constitutes the first step towards the implementation of the flagship projects of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans.
Brochure on EU Connectivity Agenda for the Western Balkans (November 2020)
EU Connectivity Agenda for the Western Balkans: Investment Projects Selected for EU Funding in 2019
Factsheet on Boosting Connectivity (June 2019)
Connectivity Agenda: Co-financing of Investment Projects in the Western Balkans in 2018
Connectivity Agenda: Co-financing of Investment Projects in the Western Balkans in 2017
Connectivity Agenda: Co-financing of Investment Projects in the Western Balkans in 2016
Connectivity Agenda: Co-financing of Investment Projects in the Western Balkans in 2015
Projects supported: 45 projects
EU Grants: €1 billion
Investment leveraged: €3.7 billion
Western Balkans Summit in Poznań: Strengthening links within the region and with the EU
€180 Million EU Grant under the Fifth Connectivity Agenda Package
Western Balkans Summit: London 2018
More than €190 Million EU Grant under the Fourth Connectivity Agenda Package
EU Provides a Further €194.1 Million to the Connectivity Agenda
The WB6 Summit in Trieste Sets the Ground for Improved Regional Cooperation
Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations
