News 2025

Opportunities for closer EU-Balkans cooperation were discussed last week at the "The Western Balkans Investment Framework" (WBIF), a joint initiative by the European Commission, international financial institutions, notably the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development), and the Western Balkan countries. The aim is to share solutions on how to provide financial and technical support for priority development projects in the region.

As guest speaker, FIEC Vice-President for Communication & Enlargement, Laurentiu Plosceanu, joined the debate. He shared his insights about boosting circular economy practices in the construction sector, and stressed that "Western Balkan countries can play a key role in the development of a Single Market for construction and demolition waste, supplying secondary raw materials at competitive costs." He also highlighted that EU co-funded projects like MOBICCON-PRO (one of FIEC's projects launched under the Horizon Europe programme and led by one of the main Bulgarian construction companies, involving a Serbian municipality) showcase viable cooperation models focused on recycling and reuse. These initiatives aim indeed at creating local jobs in labour-intensive activities, meeting the increased EU demand for recycled aggregates and supporting innovation and technology transfer.

Moreover, the WBIF plays a crucial role in funding transport infrastructure projects aligned with the TEN-T network, as well as in tackling the challenges for European companies investing in the Balkans, among which are: 

• Political instability and democratic backsliding;
• Debt risks from non-transparent foreign projects;
• Mass migration and outflow of young talent and workforce;
• Complex administrative procedures and lack of transparency in public procurement;
• Unclear or poorly enforced environmental and social standards.

A key takeaway: Open, constructive dialogue is essential to unlocking the region’s potential and ensuring fair access for EU industry.

More info about WBIF at this link.