Moving forward

EPTATF helps with the recovery

Despite budget limitations, political uncertainties and government constraints, early recovery did emerge in 2017 in the Eastern neighbouring countries. Belarus joined the EPTATF, backed by a growth rate estimated at 1.8% in 2017, and a first operation is expected to be submitted to the EPTATF Contributors Committee during the first half of 2018.

During 2017, the Bank increased EPTATF activities, corresponding to its lending targets. With a growing project pipeline, demand for EPTATF resources is increasing and, at the end of 2017, the Bank had allocated almost all funds available in the EPTATF. To meet the increased demand, the Bank will continue to raise additional funds to cover project requirements from 2018-2020. A total of almost EUR 40 million will be sought to meet the existing pipeline needs.

The EPTATF has proven to be a flexible instrument that can be deployed rapidly for technical advisory support since inception. The EPTATF will continue to provide well-targeted TA to identify, prepare and implement projects that will benefit from EIB lending, and to help build the capacity of the beneficiary countries and the institutions involved. However, with a growing project pipeline, demand for EPTATF resources is increasing and the Bank anticipates that the remaining funds will be fully allocated by the end of 2018 in the absence of new contributions.

The EPTATF will continue improving people’s lives by supporting transport, energy infrastructure, supply and efficiency, the environment, and health and education. In 2018, the Trust Fund will focus on the acceleration of disbursements, follow-up of grant implementation and communication activities.