03-10-2024
Updated WBIF factsheets now available
Autumn brings the updated WBIF factsheets, including the latest figures and project examples.
The WBIF Bilateral Donors reiterate their strong support for sustainable and green development of the Western Balkans. Within the WBIF, concerted efforts and coordination with partners are as important as ever. The Bilateral Donors are actively involved in the WBIF governance and operations to support small-scale technical assistance and investment projects in all sectors. The Bilateral Donors welcome the EU’s clear commitment to support green and sustainable energy investments in accordance with the Green Agenda and the Energy Support Package 2022 for the Western Balkans, a highly timely and important step to assist the region in the joint endeavour of energy security and carbon neutrality across Europe. Also, the social dimension – among others – plays a key role in human capital formation in the region. Investments channelled through the WBIF in key areas, such as health and education, are imperative to continue improving the quality of life in the Western Balkans in a collaborative way, especially in challenging times.
03-10-2024
Autumn brings the updated WBIF factsheets, including the latest figures and project examples.
15-04-2024
Overviews by WBIF sector, transport corridor and bilateral donor-funded projects are now available.
14-12-2023
The WBIF Operational Board endorsed on 8 December a €680 million investment package to support five flagship i...
Total:
€130.9 m
Active Bilateral Donors
Austria
Croatia
France
Germany
Hungary
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Former Bilateral Donors
Czech Republic
Finland
Greece
United Kingdom
Transfer from EBRD Fund
Altogether, the Bilateral Donors have allocated €65 million through twenty investment grants that co-finance 20 projects with an estimated investment value of €525 million in the environment & climate, clean energy and social sectors. These grants help finance infrastructure projects with a high impact on people’s lives, from healthcare and education facilities to public infrastructure for clean water, sanitation and renewable energy generation. Through these investments, the funding made available by the WBIF actively promotes social cohesion and protects the environment across the region.
The new Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 of the European Union aims at ensuring improved coherence and overall donor coordination between the EU and the Western Balkans.
In line with the strategic orientation of the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), the IPA III Regulation envisages a new governance for WBIF, whereby the EU Member States become full members of the WBIF’s novel governing bodies, the Strategic and Operational Boards (including Norway).
Under the updated WBIF governance the status of 'Bilateral Donor' thus remains a privileged position in WBIF and is granted by the Operational Board to the EU Member States and Norway which directly contribute to the Joint Fund. To this end, the Bilateral Donor community welcomed Croatia as its latest member following Croatia’s pledge at the 3rd WBIF Operational Board meeting on 5 December 2022. The Bilateral Donors are also members of the Project Financiers’ Group (PFG) and take part in the decision-making process on the allocation of their pledged funds in the Project Financiers’ Group and the Assembly of Contributors.
25-07-2024
WBIF Bilateral Donors factsheet (last updated in July 2024).
25-07-2024
Overview of the WBIF Bilateral Donors flagship investments, July 2024
22-07-2024
Flagship investments endorsed under the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, July 2024.
