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#EUandYOU for GREEN, DIGITAL, CONNECTIVITY and GROWTH in the Western Balkans

Together it’s possible

The EU’s Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans will bring the region closer to the EU!

Worth almost €30 billion, this is our chance to join forces to emerge stronger from the pandemic and unlock opportunities for future growth.

The European Union supports numerous initiatives that aim to improve the lives and future opportunities of young people in the Western Balkans.

In cooperation with Western Balkan partners, the EU invests in the future of youth through programmes covering many areas, such as education, training and sport, entrepreneurship, culture and creativity, and research and innovation.

Together, ready for recovery, ready to look forward.

Green

Environment and climate / Clean energy

Climate change is the defining crisis of our time. Our environment and ecosystems are under ever-increasing pressure. The Western Balkans is one of the regions in Europe most affected by climate change, and this trend is expected to continue. In line with the European Green Deal, protecting the natural environment and tackling climate change are at the heart of the EU Economic and Investment Plan (EIP), and the flanking Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.

Digital

Digital future

Digitalisation touches on every aspect of our lives today, from transport to healthcare, education to shopping. Improving internet access and digital skills is crucial to make sure that no one is left behind. But digitalisation challenges in the Western Balkans are significant. That’s why supporting the digital transformation is at the core of the EU’s Economic and Investment Plan for the region.

Connectivity

Sustainable transport

Better transport links and infrastructure can transform a region or community, and drive growth and wider benefits. However, transport infrastructure in the Western Balkans lags behind much of the rest of Europe, in both quality and density. Building on work over decades, with the Economic and Investment Plan, the EU is stepping up investment in transport to bring about faster, safer, greener solutions.

Growth

Private sector and human capital

A competitive economy and fair society in the Western Balkans is good for the region and good for Europe. The EU has long supported economic and social development in the Western Balkans yet gaps remain. The EU is already behind many initiatives to make the private sector more competitive, help small businesses, support research and innovation, and training for young people. But more is needed – and this is where the EU’s Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans comes in!

Facts and figures

1/3 of GDPThe Economic and Investment Plan (EIP) is equivalent to one third of the GDP of the Western Balkan region.
Almost €30 billionThe EIP brings unprecedented resources to the Western Balkans.
€9bn + up to €20bn€9 billion of EU funding leveraging up to €20 billion of investments.
+60% of FDIEU companies account for more than 60% of Foreign Direct Investment in the Western Balkans.
#1 partnerThe EU is the number one donor, trading partner and investor of the Western Balkans.
70% of total tradeThe EU accounts for 70% of the Western Balkan region’s total trade.

Meet our Influencers

In these videos, we hear from a number of special people from the region, active in areas highlighted by our campaign and at the heart of the EIP. From green to growth, connectivity to digital, these individuals tell us about their achievements, challenges they’ve faced, and where EU support can make a difference. Watch the interviews!

Watch the TV spot

Culture, values, people… what makes our present and our past big, will shape our future together.
Making us stronger, empowering young people to create the change.

Our Stories

You’ll soon be able to find out more information about the EIP-supported projects as they develop in your area. In the meantime, dive into some of our stories about projects in the fields of green, digital, connectivity and growth that have already come to life with support from the EU.

The EIP brings support to the next level. But this builds on decades of support to people and communities right across the Western Balkans. Take a look.

Download the digital kit

You are part of the response!
Download the materials of our digital kit and help us spread our message of growth.