President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Odile Renaud-Basso, said today that this institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to support the development of the private sector, infrastructure projects and the “green transition”.
After visiting the Ivan tunnel on the Corridor Vc, which was opened in October 2022, Renaud-Basso reminded that the EBRD has so far invested about three billion euros in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to be here and see concretely on the ground what the EBRD, the European Union and other international institutions have financed and implemented,” said Renaud-Basso.
She stated that the EBRD in BiH recognizes a healthy private sector with small and medium-sized enterprises that can develop, the importance of the completion of Corridor Vc for economic development, and the “green transition” and decarbonization of the economy as priorities worth supporting.
She added that she held useful meetings with representatives of the authorities where the main priorities and future plans were discussed.
“I am very satisfied with BiH’s progress towards EU membership in terms of approved candidate status, which is a very positive development of the situation and the EBRD will support the country in the implementation of reforms and investments,” emphasized Renaud-Basso.
The EBRD president was accompanied by the head of the EU Delegation to BiH and the EU’s special representative in BiH, Ambassador Johann Sattler, who thanked her for the visit at an important moment when we have the opportunity to act faster.
He also recalled the importance of the construction of Corridor Vc, which was largely financed by the EU with favorable loans and grants.