EIB Appoints New Head for Western Balkans Regional Hub, Reaffirms Commitment to Green and Digital Transition

EIB Appoints New Head for Western Balkans Regional Hub, Reaffirms Commitment to Green and Digital Transition

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has appointed Damien Sorrell as the new Head of its Regional Hub for the Western Balkans, succeeding Alessandro Bragonzi. Based in Belgrade, the hub supports Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. With €11 billion in financing since 2010, the EIB has played a pivotal role in enhancing infrastructure, renewable energy, and market integration in the region. Sorrell aims to advance EU accession efforts, decarbonize economies, and improve connectivity. The EIB remains committed to fostering sustainable development and collaboration through its partnerships and financial support.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 7-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has named Damien Sorrell as the new Head of its Regional Hub for the Western Balkans, headquartered in Belgrade. Sorrell succeeds Alessandro Bragonzi, who will continue his career at the Bank’s headquarters. Under Sorrell’s leadership, the EIB will maintain its focus on supporting the region’s transition to a low-carbon economy, enhancing connectivity, and advancing EU accession efforts while fostering economic growth and resilience.

New Leadership with Global Expertise

Sorrell brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having worked extensively in project finance and international operations. His career includes roles in the EIB’s legal team for Africa, MENA, and Asia, as well as establishing the Bank’s office in Beirut. He most recently served as a senior loan officer in the financial inclusion team. Holding dual French and British citizenship, Sorrell holds degrees in law, international relations, and diplomacy from King’s College London, Université Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva.

A Decade of Impact

Since 2010, EIB Global has delivered €11 billion in affordable financing and technical assistance to the Western Balkans, supporting critical infrastructure projects, renewable energy initiatives, and private sector innovation. The Bank’s efforts have strengthened market integration, improved transportation networks, and modernized healthcare and education facilities across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia.

Statements from Leadership

EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot emphasized the Bank’s enduring role in the region:
“With significant investments in transport, energy, and innovation, we are helping the Western Balkans prepare for EU accession and market integration. Under Damien Sorrell’s leadership, we look forward to continuing our strong collaboration with local partners to foster sustainable development and connectivity.”

Sorrell expressed his commitment to advancing the EIB’s mission in the region:
“I am honored to lead the Bank’s efforts in the Western Balkans as we work toward decarbonizing economies, enhancing connectivity, and supporting EU integration. Our long-term partnership with the region focuses on building key infrastructure and improving living and business conditions through financial and technical support.”

A Future of Green Growth and Integration

The EIB’s regional hub in Belgrade will remain a critical resource for driving green and digital transformation across the Western Balkans. With continued collaboration alongside the European Commission and the Western Balkans Investment Framework, the Bank reaffirms its commitment to fostering sustainability, connectivity, and economic inclusion in the region.

Background information

About the EIB and EIB Global

The EIB is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives. EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of the Global Gateway. We aim to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027, around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through its offices around the world.

The EIB is one of the leading international financiers in the Western Balkans. For detailed information on the EIB’s activities in this region, visit www.eib.org/en/publications/the-eib-in-the-western-balkans.

Media Contact:

Gordana Kovacevic
g.kovacevic@ext.eib.org
+352437970356

Press Office

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank