Strengthening investment capacity across Central and Eastern Europe and beyond

The European Investment Bank Group’s (EIB) annual course at the Joint Vienna Institute (5–9 October 2026) brought together 25 senior public-sector representatives from Central and Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Opened by EIB Vice-President Marko Primorac, the five-day program focused on strengthening project preparation, investment planning and access to EIB Group financing and advisory support. Through expert sessions, case studies and practical exercises, participants explored key investment topics and opportunities for cooperation. With 64% planning to work with the EIB in the near future, the course reinforced partnerships and investment capacity across the region.

Countries across Central and Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans and the Caucasus face major investment needs – and well-prepared projects are essential to turn policy priorities into tangible results. The EIB Group’s annual course at the Joint Vienna Institute helps senior public-sector decision-makers strengthen project pipelines, develop bankable investments and make effective use of financing and advisory support.

The 2026 edition, held from 5 to 9 October, brought together 25 senior representatives from ministries and other leading public institutions across the region and Central Asia.
Organized by the Economics Department of the Secretariat General Directorate, with contributions from across the EIB Group, the course is aimed at senior representatives of ministries of finance and economy and other leading public institutions. It combines EIB Group expertise with case studies and direct exchanges with decision-makers from key partner institutions.
The five-day program covered the investment cycle, EIB and European Investment Fund products, project appraisal, cost-benefit analysis, public private partnerships (PPPs), procurement, SME and equity financing, climate and energy, security and defense, cohesion, the just transition and Ukraine’s recovery. Practical exercises focused on preparing better-developed projects and navigating EIB Group operations.

EIB Vice-President Marko Primorac opened the course, underlining its role in translating knowledge into sound investment decisions and implementable projects. He encouraged participants to draw on the experience of EIB Group experts and on exchanges with peers throughout the week.

The strong engagement throughout the week reflected the program’s practical focus. Participants discussed real-life EIB Group operations, tested approaches through hands-on exercises and shared perspectives from institutions across the region, helping connect national investment priorities with available financing and advisory support.

Many participants represented institutions already involved in EIB lending operations or technical assistance. Among participants in the 2026 edition, 52% reported that their institution had been in contact with the EIB, 36% had interacted with the Bank personally and 44% had engaged with other international financial institutions. With 64% planning to work with the EIB in the near future, the course provides a useful basis for continued dialogue, stronger project preparation and future cooperation.

Delivered annually since 2015, the course reinforces the EIB Group’s partnership with the JVI and its role in building investment capacity across partner countries.

The next delivery of this course at the JVI is scheduled for 4–8 October 2027. Further information and application details can be found at this link.

Polyxeni Kanelliadou, European Investment Bank