EBRD new financing in W. Balkans may reach 1.5 bln euro by end-yr - Hargitai

"What is it we are going to do till the end of this year? What we see is the potential to reach 1.5 billion euro in new financial commitments in total in the Western Balkans, considering the investment projects," Hargitai said in a video file posted on the website of Tanjug news agency.

The EBRD has so far committed to new financing worth 830 million euro for the entire Western Balkans, and of them, 480 million euro is for Serbia, Hargiati said.

"Our focus will be the support of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and we have ensured 370 million euro for their financing in Serbia," she added.

Last week, the EU neighbourhood and enlargement commissioner Oliver Varhelyi said the European Commission plans to adopt on October 6 an еconomic and investment plan for the Western Balkans focusing on connectivity within the region.

The implementation of the plan will be financed by a combination of EU grants and loans from international financial institutions, including the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the EBRD.

($ = 0.8518 euro)