CREDI, in consortium with members of the regional WEBEcon network, is selected by Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans. the to conduct the research within the project “State Aid and Foreign Direct Investment in the Western Balkan Countries: Fostering Transparency and Generating Space for Regional Coordination of Investment Policies”.
The overall objective of the project is to improve transparency and generate evidence on FDI-related state aid in the context of the regional integration of Western Balkan countries.
The overall objective is broken down into the following specific objectives:
- To identify (map) state aid programs and key measures and relate them to measurable indicators of effectiveness,
- To produce evidence on the state aid granted to foreign companies in view of its effectiveness and support for regional integration,
- To increase public awareness at the regional, national, and local levels by influencing public discourse on the importance of state aid transparency and alignment with EU requirements and as a promotor of regional integration.
The anticipated outcomes include an improved understanding of state aid programs, evidence-based policy recommendations, insights into the impact of state aid on foreign companies, and a more informed and engaged public. Ultimately, the project seeks to foster transparency and alignment with EU requirements in state aid policies, which can lead to more efficient use of public funds and facilitate the integration of Western Balkan countries into the EU economic framework.