03-12-2024
The WBIF Bilateral Donors contribute directly to the Western Balkans Investment Framework Joint Fund in support of a sustainable and green transition in the Western Balkans. The Bilateral Donors are actively involved in the WBIF governance and operations to ensure concerted and coordinated efforts. They continue to support small-scale yet high-impact projects.
Irena Alajbeg, Director General at the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
"WBIF remains a trusted and effective platform for driving investments, supporting reforms, and promoting sustainable development across the region. In a shifting geopolitical landscape, our support to beneficiaries remains strong and reliable. Bilateral Donors, as committed partners, stand with the Western Balkans on their European path – united by values, vision and partnership."
Total:
€141.9 m
Active Bilateral Donors
Austria
Croatia
France
Germany
Hungary
Italy
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Former Bilateral Donors
Czech Republic
Finland
Greece
United Kingdom
Transfer from EBRD Fund
Altogether, the Bilateral Donors have allocated €69 million through twenty investment grants that co-finance 21 projects with an estimated investment value of €520 million in the environment, clean energy and social sectors. These grants help finance infrastructure projects with a high impact on people’s lives, from healthcare and education facilities to public infrastructure for clean water, sanitation and renewable energy generation. Through these investments, the funding made available by the WBIF actively promotes social cohesion and protects the environment across the region.
The new Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 of the European Union aims at ensuring improved coherence and overall donor coordination between the EU and the Western Balkans.
In line with the strategic orientation of the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), the IPA III Regulation envisages a new governance for WBIF, whereby the EU Member States become full members of the WBIF’s novel governing bodies, the Strategic and Operational Boards (including Norway).
Under the updated WBIF governance the status of 'Bilateral Donor' thus remains a privileged position in WBIF and is granted by the Operational Board to the EU Member States and Norway which directly contribute to the Joint Fund. The Bilateral Donors are also members of the Project Financiers’ Group (PFG) and take part in the decision-making process on the allocation of their pledged funds in the Project Financiers’ Group and the Assembly of Contributors.
