Implementation Dialogue on Private Sector Investment in the EU Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood countries.

The guiding principle of the Implementation Dialogue is to offer an opportunity for business support organisations and private sector representatives to meet with Commissioner Marta Kos for an open exchange on improved support for strategic investments in the Enlargement and Eastern neighbourhood countries. 

Description

The Implementation Dialogue with Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement, will discuss private sector constraints and opportunities for strategic and policy-first driven investments. The dialogue will focus on the role of DG ENEST to facilitate strategic investments, and within this framework, reflect on the current implementation of EU policies and programmes in the region and discuss topics relevant for business operators such as policy engagement reform, regulatory alignment, access to EU markets, investment in skills, existing financial support, and EU guarantees. It is aimed at helping the EU and European companies to advance the investment agenda in the Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood countries. 

The event aims to: 

• Facilitate engagement and collaboration with the European businesses to respond to their concerns and expectations.
• Identify the main opportunities and constraints for private sector investment in the Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood countries.
• Gather feedback about DG ENEST’s investment agenda and the new methodologies for facilitating private sector engagement.

Summary conclusions

On 10 June 2025, Commissioner Kos held her first Implementation Dialogue, with a focus on private sector investments. It took place in Brussels with the participation of business support organisations and representatives from the private sector (list of participating entities below).

The dialogue aimed to gather feedback on the implementation of the EU’s policies and programmes in the areas of economic development, private sector, and investments, and to identify the main opportunities and constraints for private sector investment in the Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood regions.

Participants confirmed that accession-driven reforms are bringing tangible benefits and improving business climate by increasing predictability, transparency, and competitiveness. These conditions are enabling companies to scale operations and invest with greater confidence.

To accelerate progress, stakeholders identified the following key areas requiring strengthened action. Addressing corruption (particularly in procurement), reducing the size of the informal economy, and harmonising standards remain critical to levelling the playing field. Strengthening the rule of law and improving cross-border connectivity were also highlighted as immediate priorities to unlock economic potential and enhance regional integration.

Capacity building emerged as a central theme. Local partners often lack experience in managing complex, long-term investments, especially involving public-private partnerships. Thus, support in knowledge transfer to the Governments would significantly support the development of a robust pipeline of impactful projects. Stakeholders also stressed the importance of focusing not only on infrastructure development but also oneffective management and maintenance, a frequently overlooked aspect of major infrastructure projects. 

Additionally, it was suggested to explore diversifying the EU's financial tools through options such as direct equity in large-scale projects.

Commissioner Kos stressed that to enhance European competitiveness, we need to foster stronger economic ties with our enlargement partners and Eastern neighbours. She expressed her readiness to continue the dialogue with the private sector, with a view to further support gradual market integration and facilitate business-friendly reforms. Europe's strength lies in working together with the private sector, both in the EU and among the future members.

List of participating entities

• Business support organisations
  • Eurochambres
  • European Business Organisation Worldwide Network
  • European Startup Network
  • SMEunited
  • Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum
• Companies
  • Ammongas/ European Energy
  • CWP Europe
  • Ericsson
  • ProCredit Bank / ProCredit Holding
  • Suez
  • EY Baltics
  • 4iG

Related Links

• Implementation Dialogues - European Commission