BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 31. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is firmly committed to balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability in the Western Balkans, said Matteo Colangeli, the EBRD’s Regional Director for the region, in an interview with Trend.
"Balancing economic development with environmental sustainability is at the core of our work," Colangeli noted. "We are committed to supporting the transition to low-carbon, resilient economies, ensuring that our projects contribute to long-term sustainability".
The EBRD has focused on embedding sustainable practices across key sectors, particularly transportation and waste management. "We support our clients in designing projects that strengthen infrastructure resilience to climate change, improve environmental standards, and minimize emissions through the adoption of energy-efficient systems," the regional director explained.
One of the bank’s priorities is shifting regional connectivity from road to rail - "one of the most environmentally friendly modes of land-based transportation". In Serbia alone, the EBRD has invested over one billion euros in the rail sector. "Our flagship project is the Belgrade–Niš high-speed rail link, where we plan to invest 550 million euros over the coming years," he added. The project is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and reduce carbon emissions.
In the waste management sector, the EBRD is supporting modernization efforts aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability. "A prime example is our financing of the Vinča waste-to-energy public-private partnership, which will supply 10% of Belgrade’s heating needs and 5% of its electricity demand," Colangeli said. The bank is also involved in developing waste management centres across 47 municipalities in Serbia to boost recycling, eliminate illegal dumpsites, and align practices with EU environmental standards.
Beyond financing, the EBRD provides technical assistance to public authorities and utilities, supporting project preparation, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing implementation capacity. "These combined efforts ensure that our projects contribute to economic growth while fully considering environmental and social impacts in line with best international practice," Matteo Colangeli concluded.
