The EU bank, through its arm dedicated to activities outside the European Union — EIB Global — invested €824 million across the Western Balkans in 2022 to accelerate sustainable connectivity, clean environment, green transition, digitalisation and private sector growth. These projects contribute to the roll out of the EU’s Economic and Investment Plan for the region and the EU’s Global Gateway initiative. On top of that, the Bank mobilised €11.2 million in grants to initiate sustainable, urban development, energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The lion’s share of new signatures was allocated to more sustainable, safe and efficient transportation via rail and waterway projects, amounting to 75% of total lending last year, followed by investments in small businesses, environmental protection and digitalisation.

As one of the main players of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), EIB Global develops and implements investments in close cooperation with the European Commission, international financial institutions and Western Balkan economies. This Team Europe approach maximises the use of the finance available for much needed investments. The EU bank has also designed innovative financial instruments, including a mix of loans, guarantees, advisory and grants, under the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), to support municipalities, power producers, corporates, small businesses and commercial banks with investments in the energy, connectivity and digital sectors.