EBRD Steps Up Efforts to Improve Connectivity in the Western Balkans

Strategic Insights -

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is enhancing its commitment to improving connectivity within the Western Balkans and between the region and the European Union, recognizing its critical role in driving economic development and improving quality of life. EBRD Regional Director for the Western Balkans, Matteo Colangeli, emphasized the bank's dedication to transport infrastructure development, highlighting its collaborative efforts with the EU and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to finance key projects aligned with the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) corridors. Among the major ongoing and planned projects are the Nis-Merdare highway in Serbia, multiple sections of the Corridor Vc Highway in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and rehabilitation of rail and road segments on Corridor VIII in North Macedonia, among others.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EBRD is committed to promoting connectivity within the Western Balkans and between the region and the European Union as a key factor for economic growth and improvement of citizens' lives in the region.
  • The bank is financing a wide range of transport infrastructure projects, particularly those aligned with the EU's Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) corridors.
  • Key ongoing and planned projects include:

+ Nis-Merdare highway in Serbia

+ Multiple sections of the Corridor Vc Highway in Bosnia and Herzegovina

+ Rehabilitation of rail and road segments on Corridor VIII in North Macedonia

+ Upgrades to Route 10 rail in Kosovo

+ Rehabilitation of rail links between Tirana, Durres, and Tirana International Airport in Albania

+ Preparations for the Durres-Rrogozhine rail section on Corridor VIII in Albania

+ Construction of the Matesevo-Andrijevica section of the Bar-Boljare Highway and rehabilitation of the Golubovci-Bar rail line in Montenegro

  • The EBRD's investments are aligned with the Paris Agreement objectives and follow high environmental, social, and procurement standards.
  • The bank offers technical assistance for project implementation, governance improvements, and inclusive practices.
  • EBRD collaborates with regional governments to improve the efficiency of infrastructure operations and encourage private sector involvement.

Statistics:

  • The EBRD is financing a wide range of transport infrastructure projects, with multiple sections of the Corridor Vc Highway in Bosnia and Herzegovina alone spanning a 260 km stretch.
  • The bank is rehabilitating rail and road segments on Corridor VIII in North Macedonia, improving access to the Bulgarian border.
  • Upgrades to Route 10 rail in Kosovo will enhance links with both North Macedonia and Serbia.
  • The rehabilitation of rail links between Tirana, Durres, and Tirana International Airport in Albania will improve connectivity within the country.
  • The EBRD's investments in the Western Balkans are expected to have a significant impact on the region's economic development and quality of life.

Sources:

  • Baku -- 17 May 2025 (Trend News Agency)
  • EBRD Regional Director for the Western Balkans, Matteo Colangeli