Target : lift obstacles and start construction

At two Regional Conferences, broad agreement was reached on 46 major infrastructure projects to improve the quality of infrastructure in transport, energy and water in SEE. Modern transport links, reliable energy supply and telecom systems are essential to trade and economic development. Transport takes the lion's share of infrastructure development in SEE with 37 projects out of 46. Improvements in these fields change people's daily lives, and that's what they want to see… quickly. However, infrastructure projects are expensive everywhere; they require extensive detailed planning, take a long time to move to physical construction and thus are never quick. While funding was rapidly secured, many difficult issues, including land expropriation, environmental regulations, public procurement procedures had to be tackled in the countries, before construction could commence. The creation of the Infrastructure Steering Group in 2001 allowed the implementation process to move up a gear.

Where do we stand now ?

Out of the 46 projects agreed in the Stability Pact framework auspices, construction has started on more than half - a substantial increase over 2001. By closely monitoring the process, the Infrastructure Steering Group is removing obstacles to allow works to start. The ISG is developing a strategic framework for the identification and evaluation of new infrastructure projects.

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