constituencies. Finally, the paper aims to identify concrete recommendation on improving the situation on infrastructural connectivity between Albania, Kosovo* and Serbia in the context of economic growth and future prosperity that facilitates the EU integration process, by highlighting priority areas and potential win-win outcomes. Improved reforms, better prioritization and increased cooperation can contribute to the progress towards the economic growth driven by specific evidence-based policy options for enhancing infrastructural connectivity. This paper draws from evidence provided mostly by the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) and European Commission reports, national reports and strategies, as well as interviews conducted in July-September 2018 with national stakeholders from Albania, Kosovo*, and Serbia. ALBANIA The National Strategy for Development and Integration (NSDI) 2015-2020 considers the connectivity agenda as a cornerstone for the socio-economic development of Albania. The benefits rising from its materialization should contribute to creating new job opportunities and improved physical connectivity. The projects in infrastructure are expected to lay down the foundations for a national multimodal transport system which would then increase the volume of – trade exchanges and economic growth. Meanwhile the investments in energy are expected to make an optimal use of the electricity nation-wide, reduce the network losses and frequent interruptions to households and business consumers, besides raising the credibility and quality of the provided service. Up-to-date Albania has seen approved four connectivity projects, out of which three are in the field of transport - namely in railways, road infrastructure and rehabilitation of parts of the Port of Durres - and one in the energy sector.
constituencies. Finally, the paper aims to identify concrete recommendation on improving the situation on infrastructural connectivity between Albania, Kosovo* and Serbia in the context of economic growth and future prosperity that facilitates the EU integration process, by highlighting priority areas and potential win-win outcomes. Improved reforms, better prioritization and increased cooperation can contribute to the progress towards the economic growth driven by specific evidence-based policy options for enhancing infrastructural connectivity. This paper draws from evidence provided mostly by the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) and European Commission reports, national reports and strategies, as well as interviews conducted in July-September 2018 with national stakeholders from Albania, Kosovo*, and Serbia. ALBANIA The National Strategy for Development and Integration (NSDI) 2015-2020 considers the connectivity agenda as a cornerstone for the socio-economic development of Albania. The benefits rising from its materialization should contribute to creating new job opportunities and improved physical connectivity. The projects in infrastructure are expected to lay down the foundations for a national multimodal transport system – which would then increase the volume of trade exchanges and economic growth. Meanwhile the investments in energy are expected to make an optimal use of the electricity nation-wide, reduce the network losses and frequent interruptions to households and business consumers, besides raising the credibility and quality of the provided service. Up-to-date Albania has seen approved four connectivity projects, out of which three are in the field of transport - namely in railways, road infrastructure and rehabilitation of parts of the Port of Durres - and one in the energy sector.
2018-10-25-Connectivity_FINAL_ENG_VN.docx