Zsuzsanna Hargitai starts as new EBRD director for Western Balkans

Zsuzsanna Hargitai has taken over as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) new director for the Western Balkans. Based in Belgrade, she will also head the EBRD’s operations in Serbia.

In Serbia, Zsuzsanna Hargitai will succeed Daniel Berg, who is leaving the EBRD after almost 25 years of distinguished service, according to a news release from the lender.

“I am proud and honoured to take on this new role,” Hargitai said, adding that her goal will be to further increase the EBRD’s investments and policy reform support in the region in light of the countries’ EU perspectives. “The EU approximation and accession process is a major reform driver and it also enhances the region’s attractiveness for private sector investments. The EBRD is well-positioned to play an important role in this and we are fully prepared to deliver what is needed in financing and policy advice,” she said.

The EBRD is a leading investor in the Western Balkans, including Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, FYR Macedonia, Kosovo*, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with average annual commitments of EUR 1 billion, according to the news release.

The EBRD is supporting private sector development and the transformation towards a green economy. In Serbia, for example, the EBRD last year financed the two largest wind farms in the country, Kovačica and Čibuk to date, with a combined capacity of 300 MW.