In 2003, the European Investment Bank, the European Union's long-term financing institution, kept up its lending in the Western Balkans to a total of EUR 372 million.

Having mainly supported the transportation sector since starting operations in the Western Balkans in 1999 within the framework of the Stability Pact, the EIB had in 2003 a well-diversified activity, covering all productive sectors of the Balkan economies.

2003: Towards development and integration

With EUR 372 million in 2003, the EIB concentrated its lending in transport and energy projects for regional integration, which absorbed a total of EUR 215 million (58%).

Private sector development with a total EUR 80 million (22 % of its lending in the region), was for financing investments by private sector SMEs and municipalities in Croatia.