New publications on WBIF’s strategic impact and private sector support
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) continues to play a pivotal role in supporting sustainable development and regional integration across the Western Balkans.
A newly-published WBIF Booklet (2009–2025) and the updated Private Sector Blending Support booklet together offer a comprehensive overview of the WBIF’s achievements in support of socio-economic development, regional integration and EU accession.
A legacy of impact: WBIF 2009–2025
Since its inception in 2009, WBIF has contributed significantly to implementing EU strategies in the region.
This new format of the WBIF Booklet reflects on over fifteen years of investment across public and private sectors, highlighting the institutional evolution and governance improvements that ensure transparency and alignment with EU priorities.
The booklet includes:
• Key milestones in WBIF’s development.
• A sectoral overview of more than 100 supported projects across six sectors:
• Sustainable transport
• Clean energy
• Environment and climate
• Human capital
• Digital future
• Private sector development
• An annual update spotlighting 17 newly approved projects in 2024 and early 2025, with future editions set to include yearly updates.
WBIF Booklet (October 2025) here.
Boosting Private Sector Development
Complementing the flagship publication, the Private Sector Blending Support booklet focuses on WBIF’s efforts to unlock private investments. With over €900 million in contributions, WBIF supports private sector growth through:
• Investment grants
• Technical assistance
• Financial instruments
Currently, 25 active programmes address key EU policy priorities such as green transition, digital innovation, and financial inclusion. Eight guarantee programmes come from the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which promotes sustainable investments in partner countries. They provide small businesses with:
• Lower interest rates
• Reduced collateral requirements
• Longer maturities
• Or a combination of these benefits
Private Sector Booklet (October 2025) here.
Looking ahead
Together, these publications underscore WBIF’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and socio-economic sustainable development in the Western Balkans. They provide stakeholders with valuable insights into the framework’s strategic direction, sectoral impact, and opportunities for private sector engagement.
___
About WBIF and Global Gateway
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) contributes directly to Global Gateway, the EU’s strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport, while strengthening health, education and research systems worldwide. Global Gateway aims to mobilise up to €300 billion worldwide in investments through a Team Europe approach, bringing together the EU, its Member States and financial institutions to leverage investments for a transformational impact.
