The Office for the CEI Fund at the EBRD has announced the approval of six Technical Cooperation (TC) projects financed by Italy through the Fund.
These projects are part of the broader donor-supported framework through which the EBRD prepares and implements its investment and non-investment operations. By providing financing for activities such as policy reforms, institutional strengthening and project preparation, Italy contributes to maximising the impact of the Bank’s operations in the CEI region.
The six projects will provide grant-based technical assistance to public and private sector counterparts, supporting the preparation and implementation of EBRD investments, improving institutional and corporate capacities, and facilitating the adoption of sound legal, regulatory and operational frameworks. The assistance will cover activities such as feasibility and technical studies, investment planning, corporate development, capacity building and advisory services.
Several of the approved TC projects are directly linked to major EBRD investment operations in the areas of transport infrastructure, energy security, renewable energy, circular economy and agribusiness digitalisation, and are expected to mobilise over EUR 600 million in linked investments.
“Technical Cooperation projects constitute the largest share of activities financed by the CEI Fund at the EBRD,” commented CEI Secretary General Franco Dal Mas. “Through this instrument, Italy continues to back the CEI in supporting sustainable development, structural reforms and investment readiness across our candidate countries.”
The six approved Technical Cooperation projects are:
- Circular Economy Regional Initiative, supporting non-EU CEI Member States in adopting circular technologies and business models through roadmaps and investment assessments. The project aims to reduce waste, emissions and the use of harmful chemicals, while promoting gender-responsive practices.
- Tunnel Prenj – JP Autoceste Corporate Development, strengthening JP Autoceste’s corporate and financial capacity to deliver Corridor Vc in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a focus on financial management, asset maintenance and operational efficiency.
- Fostering Food Quality and Competitiveness through Digitalisation, enhancing quality, traceability and market access for small agri-food producers in the Western Balkans through digital tools and geographical indication certification. The project will strengthen short food supply chains and digital marketplaces, while improving competitiveness, inclusion and export potential.
- Investment Planning Support to OSHEE, assisting Albania’s state-owned electricity distributor OSHEE in developing transparent investment planning methodologies and strengthening its capacity for efficient, EU-aligned network operations and renewable energy integration.
- Ukraine Energy Security Support Facility, designed to bolster Ukraine’s energy security and resilience in the context of volatile energy access, and to facilitate the rapid deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. CEI financing will provide technical assistance supporting banks and sub-borrowers in project structuring, eligibility assessment and grid connection.
- Miravci Wind Power Project in North Macedonia, supporting the development of a 100 MW wind farm through wind resource measurement, energy yield assessment and feasibility studies. The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen energy security.
For more info: dovier@cei.int