What is WBIF?
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) is a coordination and cooperation platform that combines different forms and sources of financing (both reimbursable and grant) to support the public and private sector in the Western Balkans.
WBIF was established in 2009 and operates as a joint initiative of the European Commission, International Financial Institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), KfW Development Bank, the World Bank (WB), the French Development Agency (AFD), Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), Bilateral Donors and the Beneficiary Countries in the region. It aims to harmonize the implementation of investments and promote socio-economic development in the region, contributing to the European perspective and integration processes.
WBIF Journey
2009
Establishment
WBIF created as a joint initiative
2015
Connectivity Agenda
Transport, energy and digital connectivity 2015–2020
2021
Economic and Investment Plan
Green and digital transition 2021–2027
→
2024
Growth Plan
Reform and Growth Facility 2024–2027
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Key figures
WBIF/IPA in Albania
€517.1M
Investment Grants 2009–2026
€68.4M
Technical Assistance Grants
19
Investment Projects
59
Technical Assistance Activities
Source: SASPAC/WBIF-MIS
Expected results
Expected Impact 2024–2030
196 km
of railway line rehabilitated
21.5 km
motorway bypass built
563 MW
renewable energy capacity installed
130 km
electricity transmission lines upgraded to 400 kV
615
schools equipped with Smart Labs — 198,300 students/year
Source: SASPAC/WBIF-MIS
Investment areas
Grant breakdown by sector
Sustainable Transport
55% · €322.7M
Core and comprehensive TEN-T railway network, TEN-T road network, port infrastructure, intelligent transport infrastructure, urban rapid transit systems
Environment and Climate
27% · €155.7M
Drinking water and wastewater network management, waste management centres, closure of non-compliant landfills, wastewater treatment plants
Clean Energy
15% · €89.4M
Transmission lines, distribution, grid digitalisation, energy storage, hydropower rehabilitation, renewable energy, energy efficiency
Digital Future
2% · €14.0M
Ultra-fast and secure broadband infrastructure, data centres, connectivity synergies with other sectors
Human Capital Development
1% · €3.6M
Digitalisation and energy efficiency in health and education infrastructure, infrastructure investments implementing concrete reforms in employment and social inclusion (part of the Reform Agenda)
Investments
Key projects financed under WBIF/IPA
Strategic investments in Albania’s infrastructure
Albania – North Macedonia Power Interconnection: Grid Section in Albania
Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / OST · KfW
Project details
The project represents a strategic investment implementing the Albanian section of the 400 kV transmission line between Albania and North Macedonia, as part of the East-West power transmission corridor. The Albanian section consists of two segments: the Elbasan–Fier transmission line and the Elbasan–Qafë Thanë transmission line. The Fier substation is being extended and a new Elbasan 3 substation is being constructed. The interconnection forms part of Corridor VIII and will enable electricity transmission towards Italy.
Beneficiary: Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / OST
Source: SASPAC/WBIF-MIS
Rehabilitation of Tirana–Durrës Railway Line and Construction of New Line to Rinas Branch
Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / HSH · EBRD
Project details
The project aims to rehabilitate the railway line between Durrës and Tirana while establishing a new connection to Tirana International Airport (TIA). It aligns with Albania’s national strategy for modernising railway infrastructure and is part of the Western Balkans TEN-T Network, Corridor VIII. Estimated travel times: 12 minutes from Tirana to TIA and 22 minutes from Tirana to Durrës. The rehabilitation will allow speeds of 100–120 km/h.
Beneficiary: Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / HSH
Source: SASPAC/WBIF-MIS
Rehabilitation of Vorë–Hani i Hotit Railway Line
Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / HSH · EBRD / EIB
Project details
This investment project will rehabilitate 120 km of railway line and 12 train stations, including new signalling systems and safety improvements, from Vorë to the border with Montenegro. This railway line is part of the planned extension of the Trans-European Transport Core Network (TEN-T) to the Western Balkans and represents Albania’s international railway link to regional and EU railway networks. The new line will allow speeds of up to 120 km/h.
Beneficiary: Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / HSH
Source: SASPAC/WBIF-MIS
Establishment of Smart Labs — Network of ICT Laboratories for Pre-University Education
AKSI / Ministry of Education · CEB
Project details
This project will establish 654 smart ICT labs in 615 schools across the country, increasing the availability of computer labs for students in their pre-university cycles and enhancing computer programming skills.
Beneficiary: National Agency for Information Society (AKSI)
Green Transport Tirana
Municipality of Tirana · KfW
Project details
The Green Transport project will create Tirana’s first electric bus rapid transport system (e-BRT) to enhance service quality and combat high levels of air pollution and traffic congestion. The e-BRT system will rely on electric-battery buses with a smart charging strategy and will be implemented across three lines: the “Unaza” Line, the “Tirana e Re” Line, and the “Kombinat–Kinostudio” Line.
Beneficiary: Municipality of Tirana
Source: SASPAC/WBIF-MIS
Corridor VIII: Durrës–Rrogozhinë Railway Section in Albania
Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / HSH · EIB / EBRD
Project details
This project marks the first phase of the reconstruction of Corridor VIII’s railway infrastructure within Albania. The railway segment connects two strategic stations of the national railway network: Shkozet and Rrogozhina. As part of Corridor VIII, this segment is included in the extension of the EU’s core TEN-T network, with both regional and broader significance. The project forms part of a broader plan to revitalise Albania’s railway sector.
Beneficiary: Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / HSH
Source: SASPAC/WBIF-MIS
Durrës Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrading and Wastewater Network Rehabilitation in the City’s Historical Area
Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / AKUK · AFD
Project details
The project provides for the rehabilitation of the sewerage network in the historic area of the city of Durrës, as well as the rehabilitation and expansion of the existing Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The objective is to improve the living conditions and coastal environment for 350,000 residents and tourists in Durrës, by enhancing water pollution control and preserving the city’s coastal environment, thereby positively impacting biodiversity and tourism.
Beneficiary: Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / AKUK
Source: SASPAC/WBIF-MIS
Source: SASPAC/WBIF-MIS,
EEAS
Approved Projects
Total WBIF contribution under the Growth Plan
Digitalisation of the Energy Transmission System
Modernisation of transmission system substations
Energy
Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / OST · KfW
Project details
This project includes the digitalisation of 40 high voltage substations with 110 kV on the high voltage side and 35, 20, 10 or 6 kV on the medium voltage side. The general objective is to enable the Albanian transmission system for the future connection of renewable energy-based power generation, in line with ENTSO-E requirements and EU green energy policies.
Beneficiary: Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / OST
Rehabilitation of Fierza Hydropower Plant
Electro-mechanical rehabilitation of the largest hydropower plant in the country
Energy
Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / KESH · KfW
Project details
This investment project upgrades the Fierza hydropower plant equipment and systems, enabling it to run for at least 30 more years, with efficiency increased by 4%. The WBIF contribution supports the second phase of the project with an expanded scope, following the previous WBIF grant under IPA.
Beneficiary: Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / KESH
Tirana–Rrashbull 220 kV Double Circuit Overhead Transmission Line and 110 kV Tirana Ring
Double circuit transmission line + 110 kV Ring
Energy
Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / OST · KfW
Project details
This project develops a new 400/220 kV double-circuit overhead line between Tirana and Rrashbull and extends the 110 kV transmission network in the Tirana area. These upgrades are essential to meet the growing electricity demand in the capital region, enhance transmission capacity, alleviate supply bottlenecks, and improve the overall security and quality of electricity supply.
Beneficiary: Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / OST
Electrification of the Tirana–Durrës Railway Line and Connection to Rinas Airport
Modernisation of the Capital–Durrës–Airport railway link
Transport
Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / HSH · EBRD
Project details
The project involves the electrification of the Durrës–Tirana railway line and the link to Tirana International Airport with an Overhead Contact Line of catenary type designed for speeds of up to 120 km/h. These modernisation efforts represent a significant step towards improving Albania’s railway network.
Beneficiary: Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy / HSH
Investment for Broadband Infrastructure in White Areas (Shkodra, Kukës, Dibra, Vlora, Gjirokastra, Fier, Berat, Korça)
Extension of the network in rural areas
Digital
Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy · EIB / CEB
Project details
The overall objective of this project is to improve digital connectivity and strengthen economic and social development in 8 prefectures of Albania (Shkodra, Kukës, Dibra, Vlora, Gjirokastra, Fier, Berat, Korçë) through better ICT access. Through this investment, 7,000 km of fibre-optic cable will be installed across white-area regions, bringing broadband internet to more than 74,000 households and 858 public institutions.
Beneficiary: Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy
Source: SASPAC/WBIF-MIS, SASPAC/WBIF-MIS
SMEs and private sector
Private Sector Support
In addition to supporting the public sector, WBIF — in the interest of the socio-economic development of the region and the advancement of integration processes — also supports the development of the private sector, which is of fundamental importance in achieving these objectives.
Through blending operations, with the primary aim of facilitating access to sources of financing, the European Commission, in partnership with International Financial Institutions, channels funds through WBIF towards local partner financial institutions which are then translated into instruments such as loans, guarantees or other forms of support primarily for SMEs and mid-caps.
Cooperation
Partner Financial Organisations
International financial institutions partnering under WBIF
EBRD
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
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EIB
European Investment Bank
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KfW
German Development Bank
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CEB
Council of Europe Development Bank
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AFD
French Development Agency
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CDP
Cassa Depositi e Prestiti
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Resources and Contact
For information on projects, calls for proposals, or financing opportunities.
Contact SASPAC