EBRD and EU launch preparation facility for road modernisation investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU) have launched a new facility to fast-track the preparation of road projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina, paving the way for major investment in road modernisation.

Alongside the ongoing construction of Corridor Vc, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s transport network needs further upgrades in the form of new and rehabilitated key road sections. The EBRD and EU will support the country’s authorities in preparing and structuring priority investment projects, with a focus on road safety, climate resilience and connectivity, in line with EU standards.

The action is backed by a €10 million grant from the EU, which will be used to identify and prepare studies for priority projects. The EBRD, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the World Bank aim to turn the pipeline of prepared projects into on-the-ground upgrades by co-financing a series of road modernisation programmes.

Together, these investments are expected to mobilise up to €300 million to deliver safer, more resilient connections for people and businesses across Bosnia and Herzegovina. The EBRD alone has also committed to providing up to €100 million in loans for future projects prepared under the programme.

The action was launched today in Sarajevo at an inaugural meeting with representatives from the state, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, and the two implementing road companies.

Matteo Patrone, EBRD Vice President, Banking, said: “This project will help Bosnia and Herzegovina turn priority road sections into ready-to-finance projects. By strengthening preparation and prioritisation, we are supporting safer, more resilient roads and building the pipeline for future investment in both entities.”

The Roads Modernisation Action will support JP Ceste Federacije BiH and JP Putevi Republike Srpske in bringing priority road sections to investment readiness. Activities will include feasibility studies, environmental and social assessments, transparent project prioritisation, detailed design where required and the preparation of tender documentation, with a focus on improving road safety and strengthening climate resilience.

Head of EU Delegation and EU Special Representative Ambassador Luigi Soreca, noted: “It is my great pleasure to announce the launch of this important programme for the modernisation of road infrastructure in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through an EU grant of € 10 million, we will support the preparation of priority road sections, detailed technical documentation and ready-to-launch investments covering up to 800 kilometres of roads in the Federation of BiH and up to 360 kilometres in Republika Srpska. With this programme, the European Union reaffirms its long-term commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina, through concrete improvements that will improve road safety, connectivity and economic opportunities for citizens across the country.”