prijava
BANJA LUKA, March 13 (FENA) - Representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Investment Bank (EIB) signed today a grant agreement worth EUR 6.8 million from the EU funds for co-financing the construction of large infrastructure facilities in Gradiška.
This investment project relates to the construction of facilities at the border crossing on the road section 2a (R2a) between Banja Luka and Gradiška, the bridge over the Sava River, as well as the connecting roads on the Banja Luka - Gradiška motorway.
The project is part of the extension of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) to the Western Balkans.
Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative to BiH, emphasized that improving connectivity in the Western Balkans, as well as between the Western Balkans and the European Union, is a key factor for economic growth and jobs creation, and will bring benefits to businesses and citizens in the region.
“This investment in Gradiska is an important step towards a stronger integration of the entire region of the Western Balkans in line with the new strategy for the Western Balkans. The EU grant of 6.8 million euros will be used for co-financing the construction of the bridge at the border crossing on the Sava River in Gradiška. This investment will bring the European Union closer to Bosnia and Herzegovina,” emphasized Ambassador Wigemark.
Matteo Rivellini, Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) for Slovenia, Croatia and Western Balkans, said that they are pleased that today they singed this grant agreement, which will significantly contribute to economic growth, facilitating trade and integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“The bank also signed a loan of 47 million euros to complete the ongoing works on the Banja Luka-Doboj motorway section,” added Rivellini.
Minister of Finance and Treasury of BiH Vjekoslav Bevanda thanked the representatives of the EU Delegation and the EIB on the grant funds.
“This project is an important link towards the establishment of infrastructure connection between Bosnia and Herzegovina and its neighbors. This investment will improve regional cooperation and communication with the European Union,” said Bevanda.
(FENA) S. R.
