EU approves 171 million euros for the Western Balkans, 16 million allocated to BiH

Sarajevo (Fena) – The Head of the Delegation of the European Union in BiH, Ambassador Luigi Soreca, confirmed that the European Commission has approved a financial support package for the Western Balkan countries worth 171 million euros, including investments in infrastructure projects in BiH.

Through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), a grant of 16 million euros has been approved for water supply and wastewater projects in Lukavac and Velika Kladuša, 750,000 euros for technical assistance in the rehabilitation of the hydroelectric power plant in Jajce, and 350,000 euros for the reconstruction of the water supply system in Tešanj.

Of the total package, 92 million euros is intended for infrastructure investments in the energy, transport, digital connectivity, education, environment and water management sectors, and an additional 76.3 million euros for strengthening the private sector, including support for small and medium-sized enterprises, the green economy and agribusiness.

The financial resources combine contributions from the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III), the WBIF and the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF), and the projects will be implemented in cooperation with international financial institutions.

– Investment in partners from the Western Balkans is crucial for their rapprochement with the EU, and these investments create concrete opportunities for citizens – said European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. (27.1.)