The European Union (EU) sets the policy framework for municipal solid waste management that drives reform initiatives in new EU member states and candidate countries. The EU policies, implementation targets, and grant funding establish the enabling environment that transforms the solid waste...

The World Bank is developing a Sustainable Cities Implementation Framework for Europe and Central Asia to inform World Bank and other development partners' ongoing support to national and sub-national authorities in pursuit of Sustainable Cities. As part of this work, preliminary assessments...

What is the economic rationale for Roma inclusion? This report explores the question: What is the economic argument for Roma inclusion?The analysis is based on quantitative data from Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Romania, and Serbia, and information from interviews with 222 stakeholders in...

Cities are key to unlocking a climate-smart future for all, as they account for more than 50 percent of the global population, about 70 percent of global energy-related CO2 emissions and 80 percent of global GDP. Urban centers' share of emissions is expected to grow as the urban population is...

This report summarizes the findings of a review of public investment management (PIM) practices in the Western Balkans carried out with an eye to improving practices over the medium term, sharing experiences on a regional basis, providing some initial specific recommendations and identifying...

Across the Western Balkan region, countries exhibit relatively high levels of energy intensity, a high energy savings potential among energy end-users, and heavy dependence on imported hydrocarbons. Energy markets would benefit from enhanced demand-side efforts and integrated energy efficiency...

The countries of Southeastern Europe (SEE) and the province of Kosovo (thereafter, Kosovo) have undergone a significant, though difficult, transition over the past decade. Series of conflicts in the region have complicated the transition process, which in the initial phase focused on...

Just as the economies of the Western Balkans were looking to growth recovery beyond the pandemic, a new set of challenges confronted the region. The economies of the Western Balkans saw a strong growth rebound in 2021 with a broad-based bounce back in economic activity. Financial stability...

An effective and equitable social protection system can help Kosovo to promote human capital, foster productivity, and reduce poverty. Since its independence in 2008, the country has made considerable socioeconomic progress, benefiting from the support of the international community and its own...