Think Railways

The EU plans to commit EUR 1 billion for transport and energy infrastructure in Western Balkans countries, EU commissioner in charge of enlargement Johannes Hahn announced Wednesday at the first meeting with Western Balkans Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Ministers of Transport.

"The European Union is not only at your disposal at your side but we are really committed to these kinds of investments because it connects the Western Balkans with the European Union," Johannes Hahn stated.

According to the plan, the capitals, major ports and economic centers of Serbia, Bosnia, Albania, Montenegro, Macedonia and Kosovo should be linked by 2030. "These priority links only become part of the core network if Member States are able to commit to completing all related investments and other 'soft' measures by 2030", he added.

As a first step up to EUR 130 million in IPA II funds will be available from the 2015 multi-country programme as grant investment co-financing to move the infrastructure projects forward together with loan-financing from European Financial Institutions.