EIB Global Appoints Miha Švent as New Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina to Strengthen Sustainable Development and EU Integration

EIB Global Appoints Miha Švent as New Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina to Strengthen Sustainable Development and EU Integration

(IN BRIEF) EIB Global has appointed Miha Švent as its new representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on sustainable development, climate action, and energy security. The bank has already invested over €3.5 billion in strategic projects, strengthening BiH’s EU integration and market competitiveness. Švent brings extensive experience in international development and is committed to advancing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s green transition and technical capacities for strategic project implementation.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 1-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has announced the appointment of Miha Švent as its new representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), continuing the bank’s dedication to strengthening the country’s sustainable connectivity, climate action, energy security, and market competitiveness. With a focus on advancing BiH’s green transition and supporting its progress towards EU membership, EIB Global will continue to build on the work done during the tenure of Sandrine Friscia, the outgoing representative. The appointment of Švent underscores the bank’s ongoing commitment to strategic projects, with over €3.5 billion in financial support and technical assistance already provided to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Miha Švent brings with him nearly 30 years of experience in international development, public infrastructure financing, and private business development. He has a strong track record in advancing advisory partnerships with governments, financial institutions, and development banks, particularly in the Western Balkans. Švent previously worked with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), leading business advisory programs, and holds master’s degrees from the Universities of Sheffield and Ljubljana.

EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot, responsible for the Western Balkans, emphasized the bank’s significant contributions to the country’s infrastructure and economy. “With our partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Commission, we’re supporting projects in road safety, energy security, water supply, healthcare, and employment. Our €3.5 billion investment has enhanced the country’s climate resilience and paved the way for regional and EU market integration. With the EU Growth Plan, we aim to continue propelling these efforts,” he said.

Miha Švent also outlined his vision for the role, underscoring the importance of technical support in preparing strategic projects and facilitating access to EU funds. He noted that a key priority will be strengthening local project management capacities and fostering investments that benefit people and businesses.

Notable achievements in 2024 include the inauguration of the Herzegovina Bridge, the largest bridge on Corridor Vc, and the introduction of new state-of-the-art trams in Sarajevo, enhancing urban transport after a 40-year gap. These milestones highlight the tangible impact of EIB-supported projects in the region.

Background information:

About the EIB and EIB Global

The European Investment Bank 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 projects bolster competitiveness, drive innovation, promote sustainable development, enhance social and territorial cohesion, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality.

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 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 our offices around the world.

About the EIB in BiH

The EU bank has been active in BiH since 1977. To date, it has invested €3.5 billion, mostly in support of the transportation sector and small and medium businesses. For more information regarding the EIB’s projects in BiH, please refer to: https://www.eib.org/en/projects/regions/enlargement/the-western-balkans/bosnia-herzegovina/index.htm

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

Media Contact:

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

Press Office

press@eib.org
+352 43791

SOURCE: European Investment Bank