WBIF - Western Balkans Investment Framework

31/05/2026

📲 Big step for 🇦🇱 Albania’s green and digital future!
✅ Durana Tech Park has joined the Western Balkans Eco-Industrial Parks Initiative, strengthening its role as a hub for technology, innovation, and advanced industries.
✅ Supported by IFC - International Finance Corporation, the 🇪🇺 EU, and , the initiative helps create investment-ready ecosystems that attract international businesses, boost competitiveness, and promote sustainable industrial growth.
👉 Read more here: https://wbif.eu/news-details/durana-tech-park-joins-eco-industrial-parks-initiative-albania
EU Enlargement & Eastern Neighbourhood
European Union in Albania

28/05/2026

🔵 Infrastructure does not move from plans to delivery without strong private sector participation.

That is why we are pleased to welcome Michalis Viridis, Mihailo Vesovic, Irena Brajovic and Vojin Zajić to our Transport Investment Summit in Thessaloniki.

Their participation will bring the voice of the private sector into the discussion on how to accelerate transport investments, improve project delivery and strengthen connectivity across the Western Balkans and EU neighbouring regions.

Because delivering modern, resilient and sustainable transport infrastructure requires more than public funding. It requires expertise, innovation, partnerships and long-term commitment.

Register now and join us in Thessaloniki on 17–18 June 👇
https://www.transport-community.org/transport-investment-summit/

The Summit is hosted by the Hellenic Republic and organised by the Transport Community, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank, with the support of the WBIF - Western Balkans Investment Framework.

We are 💙

26/05/2026

🚢 One port. Big regional potential. 's only river port has now been revitalised.

The modernisation of the Port of Brčko is a concrete investment in better logistics, stronger trade flows and more efficient connections with the wider European transport network.

With EU support through the WBIF - Western Balkans Investment Framework and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) financing, Brčko now has stronger foundations to become a real logistics gateway on the Sava River.

Together, these investments helped deliver a modernised port plateau, new equipment, improved road access and better rail connectivity ✅

Better ports mean better connections. Better connections mean more opportunities for businesses, people and the region.

We are . We are 💙

26/05/2026

📲 Fast and reliable internet is no longer a luxury, it is essential for education, public services, business opportunities, and social inclusion.
➡️ The 🇪🇺 EU has launched two major initiatives in 🇷🇸 Serbia: Rural Broadband Rollout and WiFi4WB, with EUR 42.5 million in EU grant funding to improve digital connectivity, especially in remote and underserved communities.
☑️ Presented at the “Connecting Serbia: Digital Access for Every Community” event in Belgrade, these initiatives reaffirm Team Europe’s commitment to supporting Serbia’s digital transformation and ensuring that no community is left behind.
✅ The Rural Broadband Rollout project will expand high-speed internet access in rural areas across Serbia. The project is expected to connect more than 1,000 settlements and around 800 elementary schools, enabling households, businesses and public institutions in smaller communities to benefit from significantly improved internet access.
✅ Through the WiFi4WB initiative, municipalities across Serbia will roll out free public Wi-Fi networks in 117 locations nationwide, including squares, parks, libraries, schools and other public spaces.
☑️ The event brought together high-level representatives from the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the EU, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to advance a more connected and digitally inclusive future.
EU Enlargement & Eastern Neighbourhood
EU u Srbiji
Deutsche Botschaft Belgrad / Nemačka ambasada u Beogradu

Fast and reliable internet is now a basic necessity, not a privilege — this was the shared message from participants at the event “Connecting Serbia: Digital Access for Every Community”, held 14 May 2026 at Europe House in Belgrade.

25/05/2026

25/05/2026

🔵 These are some of the confirmed speakers who will join us for the Transport Investment Summit in Thessaloniki on 17-18 June. Check the draft agenda via the link below to see who has confirmed their participation in the Summit.

Our focus will be on stronger TEN-T connections, more resilient infrastructure, smoother cross-border links and closer integration with the EU transport system.

The Summit will be a platform for focused dialogue, stronger partnerships and practical steps towards delivering real transport connectivity.

Register now to secure your place and join us in Thessaloniki 👇
https://www.transport-community.org/transport-investment-summit/

The Summit will be hosted by the Hellenic Republic and organised by the Transport Community, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank, and with the support of the WBIF - Western Balkans Investment Framework.

We are 💙

23/05/2026

Today, we've released €158.9 million to 🇦🇱🇲🇪🇲🇰 under 🇪🇺 Growth Plan for the Western Balkans!

This follows reform progress in areas such as:

🏢 Business competitiveness in Albania
🧪 Innovation and research in Montenegro
👩‍🎓 Education in North Macedonia

More info: https://link.europa.eu/Qwj8K6

20/05/2026

🔵 Register now for our Transport Investment Summit, scheduled to take place on 17-18 June in Thessaloniki, Greece!

🗣️ Transport ministers, the European Commission, international financial institutions, the private sector and partners working to deliver the future of connectivity are among the confirmed speakers and participants. The draft agenda is available via the link below.

🧭 The Summit will bring together high-level decision-makers to discuss how to accelerate investments, strengthen the TEN-T network, and support the development of safer, greener and more resilient transport infrastructure across the Western Balkans and EU neighbouring regions.

Join us in Thessaloniki!

Register now to secure your spot 👇
https://www.transport-community.org/transport-investment-summit/

The Summit will be hosted by the Hellenic Republic and organised by the Transport Community, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank, and with the support of the WBIF - Western Balkans Investment Framework.

We are 💙

19/05/2026

🇲🇪 Montenegro’s rail future is moving forward with strong support from the 🇪🇺 EU and the European Investment Bank!

🚆A major investment package worth more than €250 million will help modernise the Bar–Golubovci railway section through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, improving rail safety, efficiency and regional connectivity.

✅ The flagship €175 million investment combines a €63 million EIB loan with a €112 million EU grant, supporting the upgrade of the 39 km rail section that forms part of Rail Route 4, a key corridor linking Belgrade with the Port of Bar and connecting the Western Balkans with Central Europe.

✅ Once completed, the project will increase train speeds, improve reliability and safety, and enhance passenger and freight transport capacity, benefiting more than 1.3 million passengers and 1.85 million tonnes of freight annually.

▶️The investment package also includes support for Montenegro’s healthcare system and renewable energy projects for SMEs, strengthening connectivity, resilience, and sustainable development across the country.
EU Enlargement & Eastern Neighbourhood
Vlada Crne Gore

The wider EIB package also supports healthcare modernisation and green investment by small businesses.

18/05/2026

✅ Young energy champions in Bar are leading the way towards a greener future in Montenegro!

➡️ 30 students from OŠ "Srbija" – Stari Bar took part in an interactive workshop on energy efficiency, discovering how everyday habits impact energy consumption, air quality, and the environment.

✅ The workshop was held in their newly renovated school, upgraded through the “Promotion of Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings of Montenegro” project, implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Mining of Montenegro with support from the 🇪🇺 EU and KfW.

➡️ Students discussed renewable energy, sustainable solutions, and practical ways to save energy with Ljubiša Pavićević, Director of the Energy Efficiency Directorate, proving that small actions can make a big difference in Montenegro’s green transition.

✅ OŠ "Srbija" – Stari Bar is one of 20 public buildings being renovated across Montenegro under the "Promotion of Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings" project, comprising 18 primary and secondary schools, one home for the elderly and one student dormitory.

✅ Launched in 2013 under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), the Regional Energy Efficiency Programme (REEP) supports renewable energy and energy efficiency investments across the region. With over €1 billion mobilised to date, it has refurbished more than 90 public buildings, supported 1,500 SMEs and 20,000 households. The achieved annual CO₂ emissions saved is equivalent to removing 183,000+ cars from the roads.
EU Enlargement & Eastern Neighbourhood
Vlada Crne Gore

An interactive workshop at a newly renovated school in Bar shows how energy efficiency education reaches beyond the classroom — shaping the habits and values of a new generation.