In the framework of the Stability Pact, the European Investment Bank has developed, in close co-operation with other IFI's and the European Commission, a comprehensive programme for improvement of regional infrastructure. The focus is on the transport, energy, water and telecommunications sectors. Out of the 400 initial submissions, 35 projects were chosen for the ‘Quick Start Package' (QSP). Implementation of these will start or a tender be awarded within 12 months.

Besides the investment in regional infrastructure it will be important to undertake regulatory improvements to take advantage of potential economies of scale, e.g. through improving airspace navigation control, facilitation energy trade or promoting integrated telecom systems.

The EIB, the EC, the WB and the EBRD reported on the progress achieved in financing and implementing the Quick Start Package of 34 infrastructure projects. The Joint Office of the WB and the EC presented a consolidated report as of end-September 2000, which underlines that the QSP on infrastructure is well underway. Six months after the Regional Donor Conference, all except one of the quick start projects with a total cost of 1221 million Euro have fully identified sources of funding. The remaining gap of 29 M Euro (one project in Bosnia and Herzegovina) is very likely to be closed soon. One study in Bosnia an Herzegovina has been canceled because the World Bank, as the lead agency responsible, reported that sufficient information was found to be available to go ahead with the related project without a new study.

Read more about the Task Force on Infrastructure