Evaluation of Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) : Final Evaluation Report

PURPOSE AND SCOPE The specific objective of the evaluation is to assess the relevance, value addedand cost effectiveness of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). The evaluation considered findings from past and ongoing WBIF activities and from the Transport and Energy sectors, for a selected number of WBIF partner countries. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Overall, the WBIF provides a relevant and highly important response to the development needs of the Western Balkans (WB) region, however strategic fine-tuning would be desirable. Prospects for effective delivery of technical assistance projects are good in general, but vary from case to case. The WBIF’s efforts to pool grant resources in order to leverage loans for priority infrastructure and socio-economic development can be considered largely effective. Most of the investment projects realised are likely to maintain their results and impacts in a sustainable way assuming legislative frameworks have been amended to meet EU-related provisions under each project. MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS The report provides recommendations in line with two actions: 1) Strengthen the overall strategic orientation of the WBIF, particular in the light of recently introduced measures; and 2) Improve aspects of the implementation of WBIF, particularly in view of further increasing efficiency, effectiveness and impact.