European Commission sheds light on oversight of Western Balkans projects - EXCLUSIVE

CE Report presents an exclusive interview given by a European Commission official, shedding light on the implementation and impact of the EU’s €171 million support package for the Western Balkans. The discussion covers the selection of priority sectors, the mechanisms in place to ensure effective project execution, and how the success of private sector initiatives will be monitored.

How were the priority sectors and projects selected for funding under this €171 million support package?

The priority sectors, eligibility and criteria for selection can be found in the WBIF Guidelines for Applicants of the respective Call for proposals (in this case INV Rounds 10E and 11).

What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effective implementation of both infrastructure and technical assistance projects in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia?

The primary responsibility for the implementation of the projects belongs to the beneficiaries and the partner international financing institutions, who use their own mechanisms to ensure effective implementation. In addition to this, the European Commission has in place its own monitoring and due diligence mechanisms, implemented through regular reporting (including Annual Report Library) and meetings with the stakeholders.

How will the success and outcomes of private sector support programmes, such as Western Balkans Forward, SME Go Green, and W-BOND, be monitored and evaluated?

Here the same principle applies. The primary responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of the projects belongs to the implementing partners, in this case, the relevant international financing institutions. In addition to this, the European Commission has in place its own monitoring and evaluation mechanisms of the financed projects.

Are there plans for further EU support or follow-up programmes to build on the results of this investment package, particularly regarding regional connectivity and sustainable growth?

EU support to the Western Balkans for regional connectivity and sustainable growth is guided by the existing strategies and financial instruments, notably the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, the Global Gateway, the Reform and Growth Facility and the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance.

Photo: Wikipedia

This interview was prepared by Julian Müller