The 2024 Annual Report of the CEI Fund at the EBRD provides a comprehensive overview of the activities financed through Italy’s contributions. These activities support regional cooperation and economic development in the CEI region, in the framework of the CEI-EBRD partnership, which has proven to be essential in addressing common challenges, particularly in non-EU CEI countries.
In 2024, approximately EUR 2 million was allocated to support technical assistance and capacity-building efforts under the CEI Fund. These initiatives were delivered primarily through the Technical Cooperation (TC) Programme and the Know-how Exchange Programme (KEP).
Under the TC Programme, the Fund provided nearly EUR 1.5 million to implement five technical assistance projects in priority sectors such as sustainable infrastructure and enterprise development. These efforts have helped unlock further EBRD investments and have contributed to long-term institutional strengthening in beneficiary countries.
Through the KEP, about EUR 500,000 were allocated to support twelve new projects aimed at enhancing institutional capacity, promoting good governance, and accelerating the European integration process in non-EU CEI Member Ststes. These projects focused on improving public administration and enabling economic and social transformation.
Looking ahead, the budget for 2025 confirms continued support, with EUR 2.8 million for new projects (EUR 2.2 million allocated to the TC Programme and EUR 600,000 to the KEP). This financial commitment underscores the CEI Fund’s strategic priorities: advancing regional cohesion, supporting reforms, and maintaining a clear EU perspective for partner countries.
As Europe continues to navigate complex and evolving challenges, the CEI Fund remains a vital instrument for promoting resilience, democratic stability, and inclusive growth across the region. The activities outlined in this report reflect ongoing efforts to ensure the Fund’s responsiveness and impact, in full alignment with the CEI Action Plan 2024–2026.
For more info: dovier@cei.int