JASPERS Expands Advisory Reach to Ukraine and Moldova, Secures Support for European Development Projects Through 2027

JASPERS Expands Advisory Reach to Ukraine and Moldova, Secures Support for European Development Projects Through 2027

(IN BRIEF) JASPERS, a collaborative advisory initiative by the European Investment Bank and the European Commission, held its annual meeting in Brussels, marking nearly two decades of supporting regional development projects across Europe and beyond. Since 2005, JASPERS has facilitated over 2,300 projects in 33 countries, driving investments of €356 billion in sectors such as transport, climate resilience, and healthcare. The recent stakeholders’ meeting discussed key priorities, including climate adaptation and just transition, while confirming JASPERS’ extension to Ukraine and Moldova. Additionally, a new contribution agreement was signed to sustain JASPERS’ support through 2027, with expanded services for the Western Balkans.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 15-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — On November 14, 2024, JASPERS (Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions) held its annual stakeholders’ meeting in Brussels, reaffirming its vital role in supporting EU funds beneficiaries through advisory services. Established in 2005 as a collaboration between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Commission, JASPERS has since guided over 2,300 projects across 33 countries, unlocking more than €356 billion in investments across critical areas such as water, sustainable transport, climate resilience, innovation, healthcare, and energy.

During the meeting, the EIB and the European Commission signed a contribution agreement for the period 2025-2027, ensuring sustained JASPERS support within and beyond the EU. Notably, this agreement confirmed that Ukraine and Moldova are now eligible for JASPERS advisory services, following the extension announced in June 2024. Additionally, a commitment to triple advisory services for the Western Balkans, as well as potentially Türkiye, was reaffirmed.

EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris highlighted the initiative’s significance: “JASPERS is the largest advisory effort under the EU Cohesion Policy, providing critical assistance to public authorities within and outside the EU to launch impactful projects for citizens. We look forward to continuing JASPERS’ advisory work and expanding our support to the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova.”

The meeting, attended by more than 200 representatives from various beneficiary countries, covered a range of critical topics, including lessons learned to shape future cohesion policies. Key areas of focus for JASPERS were discussed, such as climate change resilience, just transition efforts, and sustainable urban development. Success stories were also shared, including Poland’s flood-preparedness program, Bulgaria’s innovation and digitalization initiatives, and Spain’s development of urban transport hubs that integrate multiple modes of transport, enhancing mobility and connectivity.

With these initiatives, JASPERS continues to serve as a cornerstone in EU advisory efforts, guiding projects that support regional development and improve the quality of life across Europe and beyond.

About JASPERS

JASPERS, a partnership funded by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) and delivered by EIB Advisory, advises on strategies and projects that contribute to a greener, more connected, and more innovative Europe. It offers free assistance to national, regional and local authorities, as well as other beneficiaries of EU funds, in EU, pre-accession, and Eastern partnership countries. The JASPERS team is composed of over 120 staff within the EIB and covers a wide range of sectoral expertise. Its support covers the entire project cycle, from planning to execution as well as technical capacity building and knowledge transfer. It helps beneficiaries align their projects with the highest EU standards, improving their chances of securing EU funding and potential EIB lending.

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank