The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, in cooperation with the European Commission Representation in Slovenia, organised a presentation for Slovenian companies on the possibilities of their participation in the WBIF projects. The aim of the event was to attract more Slovenian companies to participate in these projects, through which the European Union plans to invest EUR 9 billion in the Western Balkans region by 2027 and thus, together with funds from other public and private institutions, to mobilise tens of billions of euros of investment in the region, especially in infrastructure. A key instrument for implementing this plan is the Western Balkans Investment Framework and its calls for applications are also open to Slovenian companies.

"The region in our immediate neighbourhood has great potential, but at the same time it needs the right financial incentives to achieve breakthroughs in its development and successfully integrate into the European family," said Minister Fajon in her opening remarks. She sees the WBIF as a unique opportunity to lay the foundations for sustainable and inclusive growth in the region. According to her, the Western Balkans' path towards European integration is in line with Slovenia's aspirations for a stable, secure and prosperous neighbourhood. "Slovenia remains a strong supporter of the European future of the Western Balkans. As an EU Member State, we are committed to the integration of all countries in the region into European structures as soon as possible," she said and went on to express her conviction that Slovenia's efforts for the economic development of the Western Balkans will not only strengthen the countries in the region, but also create new opportunities for growth and diversification for Slovenian companies, which enjoy a high reputation in the region. Their agility and innovativeness are the key to success that can be extended to the Western Balkans. "Slovenia's economic development efforts in the Western Balkans not only strengthen the countries in the region, but also create new opportunities for growth and diversification for Slovenian companies. Our ministry and our economic diplomacy will be at your side," said Minister Fajon.

At the event, moderated by Dr Slobodan Šešum, Director General for Economic and Public Diplomacy, Holger Schröder from the European Commission and Branko Čevriz from the European Investment Bank presented the various sources of funding available for project implementation, the ways in which these funds can be absorbed and the procedures for selecting contractors. They pointed out that opportunities for Slovenian companies in WBIF projects exist both in construction and in technical assistance, which includes feasibility studies, project preparation, drafting of tender documents, supervision and consultancy.

Matej Zakonjšek, Director of the Belgrade-based Transport Community Permanent Secretariat, highlighted the main aspects of supporting the Western Balkan countries in integrating their transport infrastructure and the opportunities for Slovenia in this area.

Dr Draško Veselinovič, President of the Board of the Slovenian Business & Research Association in Brussels, Mojca Kopše from the Centre for International Cooperation and Development and Gašper Jež from SID Bank presented the services of their respective institutions that support Slovenian companies in doing business in foreign markets.