Von der Leyen, Photo: Reuters
The European Commission (EC) announced the sixth investment package within the Economic and Investment Plan of the European Union (EU) for the Western Balkans, which is expected to mobilize 1,2 billion euros of investments.
According to the announcement from this institution, this package will support eight new leading investments in water supply and sanitation, waste water treatment and rail transport, as well as innovation and green transformation in small and medium-sized enterprises.
Investments will be realized in close cooperation with partners from the Western Balkans and international financial institutions.
The investment package of 1,2 billion euros includes 300 million euros of EU grants from the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III), additional bilateral contributions from EU member states and Norway, loans from international financial institutions and contributions from the economies of the Western Balkan countries.
It was announced that the new leading investments fall under the three priorities of the Economic and Investment Plan:
– Reconstruction and rehabilitation of water supply and sanitary infrastructure in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
– Progress on the railway infrastructure on Corridor 10, with a fast connection between Belgrade and Velika Plana, which enables a faster flow of passengers and cargo in the region.
– Support to the business sector: launch of a new facility for innovation and green transformation of companies in the region.
EC President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the investment plan for the Western Balkans worth 30 billion euros has been fulfilled with a new package of 1,2 billion euros.
“With quality infrastructure, it strengthens regional ties and brings us closer together, which is our ultimate goal. Our Western Balkan partners are building their European future. These investments, together with the necessary reforms and access to our single market, will prepare the economies of our partners to join our Union,” she said. President of the EC.
The European Commission adopted the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans in 2020. It is a package that should cover the period between 2021-2027. years. This package aims to boost long-term recovery, accelerate the green and digital transition and encourage regional cooperation and convergence with the EU.
The plan mobilizes up to three billion euros of investments, including nine billion euros of EU grants through pre-accession instruments (IPA III), over a seven-year period. Of this amount, five billion euros have been dedicated through the Economic Investment Plan for the region.
So far, the EU has approved programs for the mobilization of up to 17,5 billion euros of investments within the Economic and Investment Plan, including 5,4 billion euros in the form of EU grants.
( Radio Free Europe, Ne.V. )