A workshop on Air Sector Investment Projects Skopje, FYR Macedonia December 9-10, 2004 Rationale This workshop was one of the activities carried out within the Priority Environmental Investment Programme (PEIP) in 2004. The rationale behind the workshop was: increasing demand in SEE countries for infrastructure investments in the air sector that are in line with EU requirements. Two aspects of tackling the air-sector investment challenge were emphasised during the workshop. On one hand, there is the task of investment planning in the air sector that complies with EU directives at the national level. On the other, there is the challenge of formulating and developing individual investment projects at the local level. Participants The training session targeted air-sector experts from Ministries of Environment (or other relevant bodies), as well as local-level project proponents from SEE countries. Local project proponents represented pilot hot spots, which are sites nominated for continued work by Ministries of Environment. (These sites are selected from among an initial set of hot spots identified during the first phase of the PEIP.) The workshop was attended by local and international experts, as well as representatives of international financing institutions. Sessions During the first session of the workshop participants were informed of the main principles of air-sector policy in the European Union. Specific details were given concerning the requirements of so-called “investment-heavy directives” related to the air sector and their investment implications. Key investment-heavy directives are directives for which implementation requires considerable investment. These include: the Air Quality Framework Directive 96/62/EC and the Large Combustion Plants Directive 2001/80/EC. Following was an overview concerning the status of investment planning in SEE countries. In the second session different methods and techniques were introduced to participants to identify investment projects and develop an investment programme at the national level. Furthermore, training was provided on critical conditions and information needed for investment planning at the local level. The third session dealt with the prerequisites and criteria required for developing bankable projects. During this session representatives from pilot hot spots described the relevant environmental situation and spelled out investment needs. Participants were also shown examples of air-sector projects under implementation in FYR Macedonia. In the fourth session an overview was given on the financial sources for environmental investment projects, and EBRD financing projects were introduced. Furthermore, training was provided on how to start up constructive dialogue with international financing institutions and other donors. During the working group exercises participants identified barriers to implementing key-investment-heavy directives at the national level, conducted project prioritisations, and developed financing strategies for priority projects. Besides providing comprehensive training on project preparation, the workshop also provided an opportunity for local project proponents, national decision makers at ministerial levels and the donor community to clarify differing requirements and expectations, as well as to exchange experiences in preparing and financing investment projects. Please see Agenda (39-KByte PDF files) and List of Participants (48-KByte PDF files). For further information please contact: Ms. Eniko Artim E-mail: EArtim@rec.org

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