Europäischer Rechnungshof - European Court of Auditors
(Media advisory) The Western Balkans – will they join the EU transport network on time?
Media advisory
For 9 June 2026
The Western Balkans – will they join the EU transport network on time?
- Publication on Tuesday 9 June at 17:00
- Interviews available upon request
On Tuesday 9 June 2026, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) will publish a special report on the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) – a multi-million euro platform for preparing, selecting and funding strategic investment projects in the Western Balkan countries.
The Western Balkan countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia – are at the heart of EU enlargement policy. The EU therefore supports their transport sectors through the WBIF. More than a decade ago, the European Commission recognised the importance of tackling the under-development of infrastructure in the Western Balkans and of linking the region to the core European transport network. From 2015 to mid-2025, the Commission paid €527 million towards transport projects as the main contributor to the WBIF.
Background
Given the WBIF’s importance in supporting the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans, the ECA conducted its audit against the backdrop of the EU’s objective of completing the core European transport network by 2030 and the increased volume of EU funding channelled through the framework. The auditors examined the work of the Commission and of three lead financial institutions: the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the World Bank. They sampled a dozen transport projects located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The focus of the audit was on the selection of transport projects, the supervision of project implementation, and monitoring and reporting.
Note: The designation ‘Kosovo’ is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1244/1999 and the International Court of Justice’s opinion on Kosovo’s declaration of independence.
For the press
- The report and press release will be published on the ECA’s website (eca.europa.eu) at 17:00 on Tuesday 9 June.
- The ECA Member responsible for the report is Laima Liucija Andrikienė.
- Interviews are available, but will depend on time-slot availability.
- For statements and media queries, please contact the ECA press office at press@eca.europa.eu
Contact:
ECA press office: press@eca.europa.eu