Hope and strength in the Western Balkans. Matteo Rivellini

      

       CONTENTS

       Big Ideas

       Contradictions

       The EIB in The Western Balkans

       Climate Action and COVID-19

       Biography

       About the European Investment Bank

      The European Investment Bank is the world’s biggest multilateral lender. The only bank owned by and representing the interests of the EU countries, the EIB finances Europe’s economic growth. Over six decades the Bank has backed start-ups like Skype and massive schemes like the Øresund Bridge linking Sweden and Denmark. Headquartered in Luxembourg, the EIB Group includes the European Investment Fund, a specialist financer of small and medium-sized enterprises.

       HOPE AND STRENGTH IN THE WESTERN BALKANS

       Matteo Rivellini

      The findings, interpretations and conclusions are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Investment Bank.

BIG IDEAS

      The Western Balkans have been a crossing point between Central Europe and the East for centuries.

      Devastated by tragic conflicts, nationalism and neglected investments, the Western Balkan countries are striving to find a new equilibrium. Citizens and institutions have repeatedly affirmed their ambition to become part of the European Union and have made significant efforts to turn this dream into reality.

      The European Investment Bank has done a lot in this region over the past 20 years. It has helped build pan-European corridors, supported foreign business, helped redevelop urban areas, and provided technical assistance and additional finance to address social and economic infrastructure gaps and stimulate private sector-led growth and job creation in the whole region.

      Looking ahead, there is hope for a brighter and greener future for the Western Balkans.

      Matteo Rivellini is the Head of Division in charge of lending operations in Slovenia, Croatia and the Western Balkans at the European Investment Bank.

      This is the thirteenth essay in the Big Ideas series created by the European Investment Bank.

      The EIB has invited international thought leaders and experts to write about the most important issues of the day. These essays are a reminder that we need new thinking to protect the environment, promote equality and improve people’s lives around the globe.