Ljubljana, 29 November (STA) - Slovenian companies, believed to be underutilising EU investment opportunities in the Western Balkans despite strong regional connections, were urged to be bolder in seizing these opportunities, as the Foreign Ministry and the European Commission Representation hosted an event dedicated to the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).
Addressing Friday's event in Ljubljana, Slobodan Šešum, director-general for economic and public diplomacy at the Foreign Ministry, stressed that while the Western Balkans is a key market for Slovenia, businesses have barely tapped into EU investment and development programmes.
The event aimed to raise awareness of opportunities, particularly in construction projects and technical assistance.
Jerneja Jug Jerše, head of the European Commission Representation in Slovenia, highlighted that the EU's new leadership under Ursula von der Leyen prioritises the Western Balkans, with Slovenia playing a vital role, as also underlined by Slovenia's Commissioner Marta Kos leading the enlargement portfolio.
Slovenia's experience as an EU member showcases the benefits of integration, but Jug Jerše noted that visible, tangible advantages for citizens must come before accession, which is why several development mechanisms have been developed in recent years.
Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon described the region as rich in potential but in need of financial and structural incentives. She observed strong interest from Western Balkan businesses in closer ties with the EU.
However, Slovenian firms remain under-represented in regional projects facilitated by the WBIF, a mechanism established in 2009 after Slovenia's first EU presidency. Fajon stressed that greater involvement could enhance Slovenia's economic diversification while supporting regional development and stability.
The minister urged businesses to form long-term partnerships based on respect and sustainability. Recognising the region's business challenges, she assured companies of support through Slovenia's economic diplomacy and its diplomatic-consular network.
The EU plans to invest EUR 9 billion in the Western Balkans by 2027, leveraging additional public and private funding to mobilise significantly larger investments. Since 2009, WBIF projects have activated EUR 4.8 billion in funding, driving nearly EUR 40 billion in investments across sectors, according to Holger Schröder from the European Commission.
Slovenia is one of 13 donor countries contributing to the mechanism alongside key institutions like the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The EU's 2020 Economic and Investment Plan for the region has already mobilised EUR 3 billion by 2024, resulting in EUR 10.5 billion-worth of projects, mainly in transport and energy. Schröder noted future priorities include environmental and utility infrastructure, workforce development, and digitalisation.
Moreover, last year, the European Commission introduced a growth plan for the Western Balkans, linking structural reforms and regional market integration with EUR 6 billion in funding - EUR 2 billion in grants and EUR 4 billion in loans. Access depends on reforms, with about half the funds flowing through the WBIF.
Finally, Branko Čevriz, portfolio manager for the Western Balkans and Turkey at the EIB, outlined the bank's role in co-financing projects which account for about half of WBIF's grant funding and presented opportunities for companies to participate in EIB-backed initiatives.
