REGIONAL STUDY
Within the project “CSOs as Equal Partners in Monitoring of Public Finances”, 10 organizations from 7 countries researched trends in the field of public infrastructure in Southeast Europe and the role of the EU and financial institutions.
The research showed that infrastructure projects in the region frequently face a lack of transparency and the risk of corruption. Decision-making processes take place with minimal public participation. Authorities determine priorities in advance, and consultations with citizens, when they do take place, usually happen after key decisions have already been made.
The study also points to a concerning pattern in project selection. Instead of priorities being determined by the wider public, construction companies that directly profit from project implementation take on that role, which creates serious concern in relation to public procurement. Investment patterns continue to favor environmentally problematic options such as thermal power plants on coal, construction of highways, and waste incineration, even though funds for sustainable alternatives such as railway infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and recycling are available and accessible.
The accompanying policy brief outlines the necessary reforms for governments, the EU, and international financial institutions. The authors emphasize that the selection of infrastructure projects must be based on actual needs and represent economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable solutions.
The complete analysis and policy brief are available for download in PDF format.
