Introduction

The Infrastructure Steering Group (ISG) was set up following a meeting of Stability Pact Working Table II (economic reconstruction, cooperation and development) in Tirana in May 2001. The objective of the Group is to facilitate the development of regional infrastructure in South East Europe.

The Group consists of experts from the European Commission, World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Council of Europe Development Bank and the Office of the Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact. Its work is part of an overall effort to integrate the countries of South East Europe amongst themselves and to the EU through developing infrastructure within a regional approach, instead of on a national level.

Strategic Framework

Sector focused regional infrastructure strategies have been developed as a framework for the future design and implementation of projects. These include an energy and transport infrastructure study prepared by the European Commission, a water strategy prepared by the EBRD, and a Air Traffic Infrastructure study developed by the EIB.

These strategies form the framework of an ongoing process to promote regional cooperation among countries of the region, facilitate coordination between donors and allow adequate prioritization of the regional infrastructure investments in South East Europe.

For full details on the regional strategic approach, please consult the following document which has been prepared by the Joint European Commission/World Bank Office for South East Europe:

Regional Infrastructure Strategies and Projects in South East Europe (6 pages, pdf, 285 KB)
(May 29, 2006)

Project Selection

The ISG vets proposals for regional infrastructure projects submitted by the countries of the region for consistency with the agreed criteria from the Working Table II meeting in Tirana.

• Vet projects that contribute and are part of a strategic approach to develop infrastructure networks of regional importance (the list was presented for the first time at the Second Regional Conference in Bucharest);

• Where appropriate, to consult with other multilateral or bilateral agencies;

• Help to identify a financing package for selected projects and to bring in the private sector as often as possible;

• Facilitate the implementation of projects and verify that appropriate institutional, regulatory and sectorial frameworks, that will facilitate the creation of regional markets, are being developed.

See Report on the Status of the Regional Infrastructure Projects.

The group will meets approximately three times per year.