The European Union (EU), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and the city of Šabac have signed a significant agreement to establish the first greenfield eco-industrial park in the Western Balkans. This project, located in Šabac, represents a major step towards sustainable business practices in the region, aligning with EU environmental standards. Eco-industrial parks promote the efficient use of resources like energy and water while reducing environmental impacts. The Šabac park will serve as a model for industries to minimize emissions, optimize resource usage and create new job opportunities.
This initiative is just the beginning, with plans for four additional eco-industrial parks in the region. These efforts aim to make the Western Balkans more appealing to investors focused on sustainable, environmentally friendly projects. Šabac’s Mayor, Aleksandar Pajić, expressed pride in hosting the region’s first eco-industrial park, emphasizing its importance in fostering local economic growth and setting a benchmark for sustainable development.
Nicholas Marchier, Regional Manager for the IFC in the Western Balkans, highlighted the project’s alignment with global strategies for sustainable industrial growth and its potential for long-term investment. He noted that the collaboration with the EU and local authorities will create a model that can be expanded across the region while addressing crucial environmental challenges.
The project supports key EU policies, including the European Green Deal and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, aiming to decarbonize industry and establish competitive, sustainable industrial zones. The European Commission, through the Investment Framework for the Western Balkans, will play a pivotal role in supporting such initiatives across the region.