Europe and Central Asia | World Bank

Environmental mitigation plan

2013-05-24T04:00:00.000Z

The objective of the Water Sector Investment Project for Albania is to (i) improve the reliability of water service and cost recovery in the Durres region; and (ii) support the government's efforts to implement its sector strategy, including meeting European Union (EU) accession requirements, while supporting the broader reform agenda at the national level. Some of the negative impacts and mitigation measures include: a) the facilities to be constructed under the project will not cause the conversion or degradation of any natural habitats, nor will it negatively affect ecologically important species. On the other hand, mitigation measures associated with the project could be an opportunity to enhance the value of natural habitats, through mitigation measures which may support ecological balance and reduce pressures on the eco system. The extraction of water from the deep underground aquifer, if managed carefully and responsibly, will not affect the levels of the upper water table, thus preventing any impact on natural habitats; b) in the present situation, air quality is negatively affected by the odors of sewage from links in the decrepit network and from old manholes which no longer have their covers; c) no data on noise levels are available for the area. There are no significant point sources of noise emissions. Vehicular traffic and associated noise emissions are associated mainly with the local road connecting Tirana and Durres areas, and the traffic connected; and d) all construction work will be confined to the minimum possible. In cases where archaeological sites could be compromised by construction activity, these will be protected by substantial fencing to prevent inadvertent or negligent damage to the archaeology.

Environmental impact assessment report

2013-05-24T04:00:00.000Z

Albania - Water Sector Investment Project : restructuring

2013-05-24T04:00:00.000Z

The objective of the Water Sector Investment Project for Albania is to (i) improve the reliability of water service and cost recovery in the Durres region; and (ii) support the government's efforts to implement its sector strategy, including meeting European Union (EU) accession requirements, while supporting the broader reform agenda at the national level. Negative impacts include: loss of title, loss of asset, loss of land acquisition, loss of structures, and loss of income. Mitigation measures include: a) compensation payments must be made before any acquisition of assets or physical resettlement takes place unless those payments are staggered to enable affected people to begin preparation of new sites; b) compensation for dismantled infrastructure or disrupted services must be paid to affected communities, or to local institutions as appropriate, at full replacement cost, before civil works begin; c) compensation for lost earnings must be paid to proprietors and employees for the duration of work stoppages resulting from the relocation of enterprises; d) compensation rates are calculated in consultation with representatives of affected populations to ensure that rates are fair and adequate; and e) compensation for land are sufficient to enable affected people to restore their standard of living after resettlement.

Credit-less recoveries : neither a rare nor an insurmountable challenge

2013-05-24T04:00:00.000Z

This paper examines why some countries experience economic recoveries without pick-up of bank credit (credit-less) and how different this recovery pattern is from the case where credit is increased as an economy recovers (credit-with). To answer these questions, the paper uses quarterly data covering 96 countries and identifies 272 recovery episodes. It finds that more than 25 percent of all recoveries are credit-less and around 45 percent of all credit-less recoveries occurred in 2009-10. It also finds that output and investment growth tends to be lower in credit-less events but, by eight quarters after the trough date, the gap between credit-less and credit-with episodes is mostly exhausted. Results of the probit estimations show that the size of the downturn and the extent of external adjustment are associated with the likelihood of credit-less recoveries. Moreover, fiscal loosening tends to be related to credit-less events while monetary easing and a country's decision to seek an International Monetary Fund-supported program reduce the probability of credit-less recoveries. Finally, the model suggests that many countries in the Europe and Central Asia region were likely to experience credit-less recoveries following the global financial crisis in 2008/09. What is more worrisome for them is the fact that they are facing another negative external shock.

Environmental management framework : final report

2013-05-24T04:00:00.000Z

The Export Financing Guarantee Project for Croatia serves as a tool to screen the sub projects and based on the screening guides the client, Croatia Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR) and Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) on the environmental due diligence procedures. Negative impacts include: air pollution, water pollution, noise, toxic or hazardous waste, and loss of land. Mitigation measures include: (1) using debris-chutes above the first floor during interior demolition; (2) shutting down the engine covers of generators, air compressors and other powered mechanical equipment during operations; (3) monitoring of new wastewater systems; (4) implementing land acquisition plan or framework; (5) temporarily storing all hazardous or toxic substances in safe containers; and (6) ensuring safe and continuous access to office facilities, shops and residences during renovation activities.

Poland - Building Capacity to Develop a Low Emissions Development Strategy : P129098 - Implementation Status Results Report : Sequence 01

2013-05-24T04:00:00.000Z

Russian Federation - Hydrometerological System Modernization Project : P082239 - Implementation Status Results Report : Sequence 16

2013-05-24T04:00:00.000Z

Tajikistan - Country procurement status report

2013-05-24T04:00:00.000Z

Tajikistan is a small landlocked country vulnerable to natural disasters and strongly influenced by external economic conditions. The main objective of the Country Procurement Status Review (CPSR) was to carry out a broad assessment of Tajikistan's public procurement system with a view to: a) analyze its different components, including the existing legal framework, organizational responsibilities, control and oversight mechanisms, capacity, and current procedures and practices, as well as how well these work in practice; b) ascertain the status of modernization of public procurement; c) make recommendations to the Government of Tajikistan (GOT) to strengthen the system's performance based on these analyses and review; and d) prepare an action plan for further improvements in the system jointly with the counterpart team. Overall, the procurement legislative framework would benefit from review and revision to ensure that the various legislative instruments are comprehensive, coordinated and current. The report has three chapters: one is introduction; two is assessment of the public procurement system; and three is recommendations and action plan. The executive summary at the beginning of the report includes a discussion of key findings and recommendations. Chapter two is divided into four parts in order to relate the discussion to the four pillars of public procurement developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DAC) with the World Bank, including the Baseline Indicators (OECD-DAC methodology). Procurement is not a profession in Tajikistan. Therefore, the conduct and management of procurement is assigned to public officials as a secondary task. Frequently, these officials lack specific procurement skills.

Tajikistan - Tax Administration : P127807 - Implementation Status Results Report : Sequence 01

2013-05-24T04:00:00.000Z

Addressing governance at the center of higher education reforms in Armenia

2013-05-23T04:00:00.000Z

Since joining the Bologna process in 2005, the Armenian government and higher education institutions have made significant progress in reforming the higher education system. Despite reforms, the public perception of higher education governance and management is poor. Reasons for the poor public perception of higher education governance are primarily embedded in system-wide factors. Recent research has identified a governance structure and regulatory framework as key to the development of overall higher education systems. The study finds that underperformance of the higher education system is associated with a legal framework that lacks coherence and the entire system lacks capacity to effectively exercise autonomy and accountability.

Final draft abbreviated resettlement action plan

2013-05-23T04:00:00.000Z

The objectives of the Second Additional Financing for the National Road Rehabilitation (Osh-Isfana) Project for the Kyrgyz Republic are contribute to the reduction of transport costs and travel time along the Osh-Batken-Isfana road corridor; and to improve the road safety planning. Negative impacts and mitigation measures include: Project Affected Person's (PAPs) and affected communities will be consulted on options and any impacts of land acquisition and resettlement; if land for land compensation is not technically or sociably feasible, compensation will be in cash at full replacement cost at current market value; compensation for any other assets affected (structures, crops and trees, as well as business/income loss) will in cash or kind at full replacement cost at current market value. Vulnerable and poor PAPs will be entitle to additional measures as relevant, and gender issues will be addressed; maintenance works will avoid or minimize, as far as possible, the need for land acquisition and resettlement; and the resettlement policy framework includes measures for severely impacted PAPs and require that any resettlement policy prepared for the project include all costs related to rehabilitation and/or livelihood restoration.

Project Information Document (Appraisal Stage) - Water Sector Investment Project - P102733

2013-05-23T04:00:00.000Z

Turkey - Performance based contracting scheme in family medicine : design and achievements

2013-05-23T04:00:00.000Z

Prior to 2003, health outcomes in Turkey, including maternal and child health outcomes, lagged behind those of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and of those in other middle income countries. This report aims to add to this body of evidence through the conduct of a comprehensive review of the scheme within the context of the overall family medicine program. It describes and assesses Turkey's performance based payment scheme in family medicine with regard to design, institutional arrangements, governance, monitoring and evaluation, implementation, results and financial implications. Potential areas for improvement are identified and further refinements of the current system are suggested. The report will also contribute to the current body of knowledge on the experience with pay for performance in primary care for the interest of other countries. The study methodology uses both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Further as the scheme was rolled out among Turkey's provinces gradually, the quantitative assessment uses before-and-after comparisons for providers/provinces in the scheme as well as comparison of providers/provinces in the scheme and outside the scheme where feasible. Three focus groups were conducted with Family Medicine Practice (FMP) doctors, FMP health personnel and division chiefs (or deputies) from the provincial administration/Community Health Centers (CHC) to obtain their views about the performance-based contracting scheme and to complement the information gathered from other sources.

Kyrgyz Republic - Second Land and Real Estate Registration Project : P108178 - Implementation Status Results Report : Sequence 10

2013-05-22T04:00:00.000Z

Main report

2013-05-22T04:00:00.000Z

The development objective of the Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT) Project for Macesonia is to strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of the Government of Macedonia's (GoM) social safety net through: (a) the introduction of conditional cash transfers; and (b) improvements in the administration, oversight, monitoring, and evaluation of social assistance transfers. The project would contribute to the GoM ultimate objectives of alleviating current poverty and enhancing human capital, thereby reducing the inter-generational transmission of poverty over the long run. The changes for this second restructuring include: a) an extension of the original project closing date by twenty two months; b) revision of the results framework; c) reallocation of the funds; (d) addition of a new expenditure category to the disbursement table; (e) expansion of component 1.2 to cover implementation of the new CCT program on youth employment beyond the pilot and testing phase; and (f) introduction of a new activity as a sub component, for refurbishment of existing social welfare centers through minor civil works under component 2; this entails various changes to the loan agreement as described below.

Data sheet

2013-05-22T04:00:00.000Z

Montenegro - Preparing for prosperity : ensuring sustainability, connectivity and flexibility for dynamic growth

2013-05-22T04:00:00.000Z

This report is intended to provide analytical support to the government of Montenegro and inform its development strategy as it embarks on the next stage of the European Union (EU) integration process. Montenegro has significantly increased its per capita income and reduced poverty in recent years, but unemployment, especially among youth, is still high. With the onset of the crisis, banking sector reforms advanced, resulting in a better capitalized, better supervised, and less vulnerable banking system than during the boom period, and other reforms enhanced both Montenegro's competitiveness and its social safety net. This report argues that raising growth potential will require lasting macroeconomic stability more sustainable fiscal and debt positions; export-oriented growth driven by productivity gains; greater connectivity, and more flexible regulation. With full membership in the EU expected in less than a decade, why should the government of Montenegro be concerned with growth potential and convergence? The structure of the report is organized as follows: chapter one analyzes Montenegro's sources of growth from various angles and emphasizes the critical role of productivity and education and skills as well as fiscal and financial sector sustainability, and associated, further policy reforms, in ensuring the macroeconomic stability that is fundamental to long-term growth. Chapter two provides a detailed analysis of Montenegro's connectivity- via trade (especially exports), infrastructure (transport, energy, and information communication technologies) and human capital- with the world markets, and outlines further policy agenda in these areas. Finally, chapter three provides a comprehensive analysis of Montenegro's regulatory and institutional flexibility based on the latest doing business indicators as well as a new Montenegro investment climate survey and Product Market Regulation (PMR) analysis as well as an analysis of labor market regulation investments and growth.

Serbia - Innovation Project : procurement plan

2013-05-22T04:00:00.000Z

Bosnia and Herzegovina - Second Solid Waste Management Project : procurement plan

2013-05-21T04:00:00.000Z

Russian Federation - Second State Statistical System Development Project : procurement plan

2013-05-21T04:00:00.000Z

The project Health System Quality and Efficiency Improvement is now in the pipeline.

2013-05-21T04:00:00.000Z

The project Health System Quality and Efficiency Improvement is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Fourth East West Highway Improvement Project has changed to Active

2013-05-17T04:00:00.000Z

The project Fourth East West Highway Improvement Project has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The development objectives of the Fourth East West Highway Improvement Project for Georgia are: (i) to contribute to the gradual reduction of road transport costs and to improve road safety along the section upgraded under the project; and (ii) to strengthen the capacity of the Roads Department (RD) and the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure (MRDI) to plan and manage the road network and improve road traffic safety. The project has four components. The first component is improvement and asset management of the East-West highway. It has following five sub-components: (i) upgrading of existing East-West highway through the construction of a 2-lane dual carriageway from Agara to Zemo Osiauri; (ii) maintenance of the E60 2-lane dual carriageway between Natakhtari and Ruisi; (iii) civil works to improve road safety and access roads on the existing East-West highway between Natakhtari and Ruisi (67km) and along the existing E60 alignment between Ruisi and Chumateleti (44km); (iv) environmental improvement measures along completed sections of the E60 highway between Natakhtari and Ruisi (67km); and (v) construction supervision and quality assurance services. The second component is institutional strengthening. This component provides for the financing of activities to further deepen institutional strengthening efforts being carried out under ongoing bank supported projects. The activities are as follows: (a) institutional strengthening of the MRDI to help the following activities: review and updating of road sector strategy, support to the MRDI to improve road safety management capacity, support to the MRDI to improve the operating environment for the local construction industry, and measures to improve manpower planning and development in MRDI; (b) institutional strengthening of the RD to help organizational efficiency improvement and manpower planning and development measures, and development of a strategic roadmap for the development and implementation of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) along the East West highway corridor, from Tbilisi to Turkish border. The third component is preparation of designs and supporting studies for future projects for the development of the East-West highway. This component will finance activities for the definition and design of civil works included in component A of the proposed project and preparatory studies for the future westward upgrading of the E60. The planned activities include: (1) study to define the scope of the maintenance interventions along some upgraded sections of the E60 2-lane dual carriageway e.g. Natakhtari to Ruisi (67 kilometers); (2) road safety improvement studies and designs; (3) update of feasibility studies and undertaking of preliminary engineering design of new Rikoti tunnel and 60km of highway between Chumateleti and Argveta; and (4) detailed design of the new tunnel at Rikoti, preparation of bidding documents and independent review of all technical and safety provisions. The fourth component is project management. This component had two sub-components: implementation support to RD; and financial audits and project monitoring and evaluation services.

The project AF - Clean-up & Land Reclamation Project is now in the pipeline.

2013-05-14T04:00:00.000Z

The project AF - Clean-up & Land Reclamation Project is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The objectives of the Second Additional Financing for the Energy Sector Clean-Up and Land Reclamation Project (CLRP) are to: a) address environmental legacy issues related to open dumping of ashes on land; b) enable Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK) to free land for community development purposes currently taken by overburden materials and enable KEK to remediate the Kosovo A ash dump; and c) build capacity in KEK for continued clean-up and environmentally good practice mining operations. The additional financing will help fund the costs associated with scale-up activities and additional similar activities to enhance the impact of the CLRP. Expanding the CLRP works under the proposed Additional Financing would help the Government of Kosovo (GoK) to further address legacy issues related to tar deposits/tar sludge at the gasification site of the Kosovo Energy Corporation J.S.C. (KEK), tree planting at overburden areas, and assist the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (MESP) in the identification, monitoring and assessment of environmental and social impacts related to the Kosovo Power Project.

The project Kyrgyz Second Health and Social Protection Project has changed to Active

2013-05-14T04:00:00.000Z

The project Kyrgyz Second Health and Social Protection Project has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The development objectives of the Second Health and Social Protection Project for Kyrgyz Republic are to (i) improve health outcomes in four health priority areas in support of the Den Sooluk (DS) national health reform program 2012-2016; and (ii) enable the governments efforts to enhance effectiveness and targeting performance of social assistance and services. The project has three components. The first component is support for implementation of DS program of reforms. This component will support the implementation of the DS program through a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp). The areas focused are as follows: improving the delivery of core services as defined in DS, health system strengthening, Support to the State Guaranteed Benefits Package (SGBP), and strengthening fiduciary capacity in the health sector. The second component is strengthening the policy and administrative capacity of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). The objective of the component will be to enable the governments efforts to enhance effectiveness and targeting performance of social assistance and social services aimed at supporting the poor and the vulnerable. This component has following two sub-components: improving the effectiveness of the social safety net, and support to strengthening the national policy towards vulnerable groups, including people with special needs. The third component is contingency emergency response (no funds allocated). The objective of this component is to improve the governments response capacity in the event of an emergency.

The project Renewable Energy Integration is now in the pipeline.

2013-05-12T04:00:00.000Z

The project Renewable Energy Integration is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Public Accounting Certification Training is now in the pipeline.

2013-05-10T04:00:00.000Z

The project Public Accounting Certification Training is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project AGRICULTURE PRODUCTIVITY AND NUTRITION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT is now in the pipeline.

2013-05-09T04:00:00.000Z

The project AGRICULTURE PRODUCTIVITY AND NUTRITION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Additional Financing Energy Efficiency - Industrial Enterprises is now in the pipeline.

2013-05-09T04:00:00.000Z

The project Additional Financing Energy Efficiency - Industrial Enterprises is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The objective of the Additional Financing for the Energy Efficiency Facility for Industrial Enterprises Project is to improve energy efficiency (EE) in Industrial Enterprises by designing and establishing a financing mechanism for energy saving investments. The additional credit will help finance the costs associated with scaled-up activities to increase the energy saving impact of the project. The project has disbursed 34 percent of the original credit and is now being implemented at a fast pace, such that the development objective is expected to be met a year ahead of schedule. The changes include inter alia further enhancing the energy efficiency capacity of selected industries, banks, industry associations and energy professionals. Similarly, the aggregate amount of sub-loans will now be no more than (i) US$10 million for individual beneficiaries and (ii) US$30 million for groups of affiliated beneficiaries. The eligibility criteria concerning associated parties will be revised to: (a) Industrial Enterprises (IEs) should not have more than 10 percent of shares in the Participating Banks (PBs); and (b) PBs (i.e. Asaka Bank, Hamkorbank, and Uzpromstroybank) should not have more than 10 percent ownership stake in the IEs. These limitations are in line with the prudential norms for identifying a bank's related party in the terms of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan (CBU) regulations (no.556 dated February 27, 2009).

World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim to visit Romania

2013-05-08T13:11:38.000Z

The World Bank

Europe and Central Asia Region

News Release No. 2008/ECA

Contacts: Washington: Michael Andrew Jones (202) 473 2588
mjones2@worldbank.org

text text text

The project Second Science & Technology Project has changed to Active

2013-05-07T04:00:00.000Z

The project Second Science & Technology Project has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The development objective of the Second Science and Technology Project is to support Croatia to absorb European Union (EU) funds in the research and innovation sector by capacitating selected public sector organizations and stimulating the demand for those funds from the business and scientific communities. There are two components to the project. The first component of the project is capacity building for absorption of EU funds. This component will provide technical assistance primarily to the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports (MSES), Unity through Knowledge Fund (UKF) and Business Innovation Croatian Agency (BICRO), and other organizations may be considered based on needs analysis. It consists of three types of activities. The second of the project is research and innovation programs. This component will finance programs previously supported by Science and Technology Project (STP), through MSES, BICRO and UKF, in order to maintain and increase the pool of Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) and researchers that could apply to future EU-financed grant schemes. A detailed review of the projects financed under the STP will be performed and the results of this review will be taken into account in the preparation of the future calls.

The project Preparation of SREP Investment Plan is now in the pipeline.

2013-05-03T04:00:00.000Z

The project Preparation of SREP Investment Plan is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Kazakhstan Moinak Electricity Transmission Project has changed to Closed

2013-05-02T04:00:00.000Z

The project Kazakhstan Moinak Electricity Transmission Project has changed to Closed. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The objective of the Moinak Electricity Transmission Project for Kazakhstan is to increase and improve the supply of electricity to business enterprises and households in southern Kazakhstan in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner. There are three components to the project. The first component of the project is construction of transmission lines. It consists of the following sub-components: A) construction of Overhead Transmission Line (OHTL) from Moinak Hydroelectric Power Plant (MHPP) to Shelek Substation (SS): this involves the construction of about 97 km long 220 kV single circuit OHTL; and B) construction of OHTL from MHPP to Robot SS: this involves the construction of about 225 km long 220 kV single-circuit OHTL. The second of the project is modernization of SS. It consists of the following sub-components: A) construction of 220/110 kV Outdoor Switchyard (OSY) at MHPP: the works include the construction with a configuration consisting of double main busbars and transfer bus and installation of circuit breakers, disconnect switches, current and voltage transformers, and lightning over voltage and relay protection systems; B) modernization of 220 kV Robot SS: the works include the reconstruction of the existing 220 kV switching topology and installation of circuit breakers, disconnectors, current and voltage transformers, and lightning over voltage and relay protection systems; and C) modernization of 220 kV Shelek SS: the works include the reconstruction of the existing 220 kV switching topology and installation of circuit breakers, disconnectors, current and voltage transformers, and lightning over voltage and relay protection systems. The third component of the project is consulting and technical services. It consists of the following components: A) procurement and project management: this comprises consulting services for procurement and project management, including: the preparation o f bidding documents, assistance in bid evaluation and implementation supervision; and B) technical services: these include support for selection of the transmission routes, conduct of engineering surveys and engineering supervision of the turn-key contracts during construction.

The project Revenue Administration Modernization Project has changed to Active

2013-05-02T04:00:00.000Z

The project Revenue Administration Modernization Project has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The development objectives of the Revenue Administration Modernization Project for Romania are: 1) to increase effectiveness and efficiency in collection of taxes and social contributions; 2) to increase tax compliance; and 3) to reduce the burden on taxpayers to comply. There are four main project components: The first component of the project is institutional development. This component will support the development of a modern organization and management structure, instill a strategic focus, emphasize the importance of integrity, rationalize the organization structure to increase National Agency for Fiscal Administration (NAFA's) effectiveness, and strengthen human resource management through targeted professional training and technical assistance. The second component of the project is increasing operational effectiveness and efficiency. This component would streamline business processes and work-flows, and invest in the modernization of core information Technology (IT) systems to take full advantage of the possibilities offered by automation in NAFA's back office operations, as well as in the interaction with taxpayers and contributors. The third component of the project is taxpayer services and corporate communication. This component will finance activities aimed at modernizing taxpayer services; implementing mechanisms for transparency and accountability. The fourth component of the project is coordination and management. The project will have a Project Management Unit (PMU) well-integrated into NAFA's headquarters management structure, which is responsible for day-to-day implementation of the project.

The project Energy Efficiency Project has changed to Closed

2013-05-02T04:00:00.000Z

The project Energy Efficiency Project has changed to Closed. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

This Project Paper seeks to provide additional financing in an amount t to the Republic of Serbia (Serbia) for the Energy Efficiency Project. The principal aim o f the proposed additional financing is to enable the government to complete the original scope o f the project (energy efficiency improvements in 3 social care buildings, 8 schools and 6 hospitals left out due to a cost overrun) and to scale up energy efficiency improvements to include: (a) rehabilitation of the heat supply system o f the Nis Clinical Center along with energy efficiency improvements in all 17 contiguous buildings on the campus; complete retrofitted lighting in 10 schools and partial lighting retrofit in 10 schools; and (b) energy efficiency improvements in an additional 7 social care buildings (such as orphanages), 20 schools and 11 hospitals across Serbia. Energy efficiency improvements in four buildings at the University of Kragujevac will also be included.

The project Energy Efficiency Project (Serbia) Additional Financing has changed to Closed

2013-05-02T04:00:00.000Z

The project Energy Efficiency Project (Serbia) Additional Financing has changed to Closed. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Rural Land Titling & Cadastre Development Project has changed to Closed

2013-05-02T04:00:00.000Z

The project Rural Land Titling & Cadastre Development Project has changed to Closed. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The Rural Land Titling and Cadastre Development Project for Ukraine will establish a national cadastre and title registry system, allocate land parcels to individuals in rural areas on an equitable basis, establish their property rights by issuing state deeds for land, and encourage the restructuring of farms into more efficient units. The changes are made to cancel the sum of US$11,850,000 from savings. The project is at moderately satisfactory status. It is progressing towards meeting the development objective within the time frame of the project and is expected to meet all targets before the end of the project period. The progress with completing large mapping contracts that are required in order to produce cadastral index maps is behind schedule and for this reason the project is classified as only moderately satisfactory.

World Bank - IMF Chorus Concert

2013-05-01T17:00:00.000Z

The World Bank-IMF Chorus is presenting it's spring concerts of favourite choruses from around the world on:

- Tuesday, May 7 at 1pm in IMF HQ2 Conference Hall
- Wednesday, May 8 at 1pm in the WB MC Atrium

Admission is free - guest passes needed for non-Bank & IMF badge holders.

http://www.wbimfchorus.org/

The project Kyrgyz Health Results Based Financing has changed to Active

2013-04-30T04:00:00.000Z

The project Kyrgyz Health Results Based Financing has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project SERBIA ROAD REHABILITATION AND SAFETY PROJECT has changed to Active

2013-04-30T04:00:00.000Z

The project SERBIA ROAD REHABILITATION AND SAFETY PROJECT has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The development objective of the Road Rehabilitation and Safety Project for Serbia is to improve the condition and safety of the national road network for road users by supporting the Serbia in the implementation of the first phase of its national road network rehabilitation program. There are three components to the project: The first component is road rehabilitation and safety investments, this component will finance periodic maintenance and rehabilitation works, partial pavement widening, works concerning traffic signalization. The second component is institutional strengthening, this component consists of (A) support to road safety, and this subcomponent covers road safety inspections and the implementation of low cost road safety measures such as signage, traffic calming measures and road furniture for an additional 1000 km of national roads beyond what is covered in the first phase of National Road Network Rehabilitation Program (NRNRP); (B) strengthen road rehabilitation and planning processes, and this subcomponent includes a road condition survey for the entire national road network, an update of the national road database, institutionalizing the development of multi-year maintenance plans based on clearly-defined economic, social and regional criteria; (C) strengthening maintenance management, and this subcomponent includes the development of a strategic plan for Performance-Based Maintenance Contract (PBMC), the preparation of model bidding documents for PBMC, training staff and contractors on PBMC, and the provision of implementation support. And the final third components is project detailed design, project supervision, management, monitoring and audit. This component also consists of (A) design and supervision, this subcomponent covers the design and supervision costs for all the roads covered under phase 1 of NRNRP, (B) project management support, this includes project management support and capacity building to Public Enterprise for State Road Management (PERS) as may be necessary in procurement, financial management, environmental and social safeguards and annual program planning, (C) project audits, this includes: (i) the integrated performance audit which will review engineering designs, management of social and environmental issues, procurement, quality assurance, contract management and compliance to agreed conditions, quality of project supervision, review of traffic safety implementation, and achievement of Disbursement-Linked Indicators (DLI) to trigger disbursement. and (ii) project financial audit.

World Bank Helps Serbia Improve Over 800 Km of Its National Roads

2013-04-26T11:15:00.000Z

The World Bank

Europe and Central Asia Region

News Release No. 2008/ECA

Contacts: Washington: Michael Andrew Jones (202) 473 2588
mjones2@worldbank.org

text text text

Romania Modernizes Revenue Administration

2013-04-26T11:00:00.000Z

The World Bank

Europe and Central Asia Region

News Release No. 2008/ECA

Contacts: Washington: Michael Andrew Jones (202) 473 2588
mjones2@worldbank.org

text text text

World Bank Continues to Support Croatia’s Innovation Potential

2013-04-26T11:00:00.000Z

The World Bank

Europe and Central Asia Region

News Release No. 2008/ECA

Contacts: Washington: Michael Andrew Jones (202) 473 2588
mjones2@worldbank.org

text text text

Growth in Europe and Central Asia Continues, but Slowly and Unevenly

2013-04-19T20:00:00.000Z

The World Bank

Europe and Central Asia Region

News Release No. 2008/ECA

Contacts: Washington: Michael Andrew Jones (202) 473 2588
mjones2@worldbank.org

text text text

Regional Disparities in Poverty Rates Still Key Issue in the Kyrgyz Republic – New World Bank Study

2013-04-18T20:00:00.000Z

The World Bank

Europe and Central Asia Region

News Release No. 2008/ECA

Contacts: Washington: Michael Andrew Jones (202) 473 2588
mjones2@worldbank.org

text text text

The project Gas Sector Development Additional Financing is now in the pipeline.

2013-04-17T04:00:00.000Z

The project Gas Sector Development Additional Financing is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

World Bank Helps Reduce Energy Losses in the Uzbekistan’s Capital City and Two Regions

2013-04-10T20:15:00.000Z

The World Bank

Europe and Central Asia Region

News Release No. 2008/ECA

Contacts: Washington: Michael Andrew Jones (202) 473 2588
mjones2@worldbank.org

text text text

World Bank Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics Visits Tajikistan

2013-04-05T20:15:00.000Z

The World Bank

Europe and Central Asia Region

News Release No. 2008/ECA

Contacts: Washington: Michael Andrew Jones (202) 473 2588
mjones2@worldbank.org

text text text

World Bank Presents Fiscal Policy Reform Options for Growth and Social Cohesion in Belarus

2013-04-05T20:15:00.000Z

The World Bank

Europe and Central Asia Region

News Release No. 2008/ECA

Contacts: Washington: Michael Andrew Jones (202) 473 2588
mjones2@worldbank.org

text text text

New World Bank Book Offers Recommendations on Responding to Climate Change in Uzbekistan’s Agriculture Sector

2013-04-04T20:15:00.000Z

The World Bank

Europe and Central Asia Region

News Release No. 2008/ECA

Contacts: Washington: Michael Andrew Jones (202) 473 2588
mjones2@worldbank.org

text text text

New World Bank Book Offers Recommendations on Responding to Climate Change in FYR Macedonia’s Agriculture Sector

2013-04-04T20:15:00.000Z

The World Bank

Europe and Central Asia Region

News Release No. 2008/ECA

Contacts: Washington: Michael Andrew Jones (202) 473 2588
mjones2@worldbank.org

text text text

New World Bank Book Offers Recommendations on Responding to Climate Change in Albania’s Agriculture Sector

2013-04-04T20:15:00.000Z

The World Bank

Europe and Central Asia Region

News Release No. 2008/ECA

Contacts: Washington: Michael Andrew Jones (202) 473 2588
mjones2@worldbank.org

text text text

World Bank Sees Climate Change Cutting Crop Production in Eastern Europe and Central Asia by over 25 Percent unless Action Is Taken Now

2013-04-04T19:45:00.000Z

The World Bank

Europe and Central Asia Region

News Release No. 2008/ECA

Contacts: Washington: Michael Andrew Jones (202) 473 2588
mjones2@worldbank.org

text text text

The project Central Asia Road Links - Kyrgyz Republic is now in the pipeline.

2013-03-29T04:00:00.000Z

The project Central Asia Road Links - Kyrgyz Republic is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Montenegro Industrial Waste Management and Cleanup Project is now in the pipeline.

2013-03-29T04:00:00.000Z

The project Montenegro Industrial Waste Management and Cleanup Project is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

Infographic: Eurasian Cities

2013-03-11T12:00:00.000Z

Press Release: Rethinking Eurasian Cities

World Bank seeks Poland’s views on IDA’s strategic directions

2013-03-06T16:34:34.000Z

The World Bank

Europe and Central Asia Region

News Release No. 2008/ECA

Contacts: Washington: Michael Andrew Jones (202) 473 2588
mjones2@worldbank.org

text text text

The Steering Committee of Vienna 2 Delivers Observations on Cross-Border Bank Resolution to European Authorities

2013-01-18T15:19:09.000Z

The World Bank

Europe and Central Asia Region

News Release No. 2008/ECA

Contacts: Washington: Michael Andrew Jones (202) 473 2588
mjones2@worldbank.org

text text text

Economy Will Improve in 2013, says World Bank in Latest Forecast

2013-01-15T09:39:26.000Z

Press Release: 2013/01/TR

Following a soft landing in 2012 – a first in the country’s recent economic history -- accelerated structural reforms are key to increase potential growth.

Ankara, January 15, 2013 – Economic growth in 2013 is forecast to accelerate to 4 percent according to the World Bank’s latest Turkey Regular Economic Brief issued today in Ankara, but prospects for sustained growth over the medium-term depend on accelerating structural reforms the international lender cautions.

The brief analyzes Turkey’s recent economic developments, prospects, and risks. Highlighting the significant improvement in external imbalances, the brief points out that the current account deficit remains high and Turkey remains dependent on short-term financing.

Against this background, World Bank support in 2013 will focus on enhancing Turkey’s competitiveness and domestic savings through a proposed Development Policy Loan; improving energy efficiency in small and medium enterprises through a proposed Credit Line; proposed additional financing to BOTAŞ for the completion of the Tuz Gölü Gas Storage Facility; and further financial support for Turkish SMEs.

The World Bank’s work in Turkey is based on a joint Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for the period of 2012-2015. The CPS aims to support Turkey’s transition to high income with financing of up to US$ 4.45 billion during the four year period, as well as policy analysis and technical advice. Key objectives include enhanced competitiveness and employment, improved equity and public services and deepened sustainable development.Turkey’s successful economic and social reforms have attracted increasing attention in the region and globally. Hence the World Bank’s partnership with Turkey is evolving to include the sharing of knowledge and experience with a wider international audience.

Please click here for Turkey Regular Economic Brief.

Contacts:
In Ankara: Tunya Celasin, +90-312-4598343, tcelasin@worldbank.org

For more information on the World Bank’s work in Turkey, please visit: http://www.worldbank.org/turkey
Visit us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/worldbank
Be updated via Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/worldbank
For our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/worldbank

-------------

Економијата на југоисточна Европа се намалува во 2012 година, и се соочува со ризици во 2013 година

2012-12-18T20:31:42.000Z

Приштина, 18 декември – Комбинираниот бруто домашен производ на шесте економии од југоисточна Европа ќе се намали за 0,6 проценти во 2012 година и влегувајќи во 2013 година ќе се соочат со сериозни ризици и со очекуван раст од 1,6 проценти, се вели во новиот Редовен економски извештај на Светска банка за Југоисточна Европа објавен денес.

Редовниот економски извештај на Светска банка за југоисточна Европа (РЕИ ЈИЕ) покрива шест земји (ЈИЕ6)– Албанија, Босна и Херцеговина, Косово, Македонија, Црна Гора и Србија – и предвидува дека патот до одржливо заздравување ќе биде напорен со, во најдобар случај, слаб раст во 2013 година и со огромни ризици. Состојбата во 2013 година се влошува и од несигурното заздравување во Еврозоната, како и од високите цени на стоките – ризици од кои сите земји во ЈИЕ6 се многу ранливи. Исто така, се подвлекува ризикот од новиот шок на цените на храната што би можело да предизвика раст на сиромаштијата и да изврши притисок врз средната класа.

Во оваа несигурност, особено Србија, Албанија и Црна Гора ќе треба да опстојат во намалувањето на фискалниот дефицит и на јавниот долг, како и подобрувањето на инвестициската клима и реформирањето на пазарот на труд и јавниот сектор. Во сите земји на ЈИЕ6, долговите на јавниот сектор претставуваат особен предизвик за фискалното управување и за приватниот сектор, а тука се и незавршените агенди за структурните реформи.

Раст на БДП за ЈИЕ6 за 2012 и 2013

	*2011*	*2012 (проектиран***)	*2013 (проектиран***)
*ЈИЕ6*	*2.2*	*-0.6*	*1.6*
Албанија	3.0	0.8	1.6
Босна и Херцеговина	1.3	0.0	0.5
Косово	5.0	3.6	3.3
Македонија	2.8	0.0	1.0
Црна Гора	3.2	0.2	0.8
Србија	1.6	-2.0	2.0

ЕУ11	3.1	0.9	1.3

„Во ова ранливо опкружување, властите во Западен Балкан треба да продолжат со реформите кои ќе придонесат за долгорочен раст и нови работни места“, вели Жељко Богетиќ, главен економист и координатор за економска политика за Западен Балкан, во Светска банка и главен автор на Редовниот економски извештај за југоисточна Европа бр. 3 (РЕИ ЈИЕ), трет во серијата редовни полугодишни извештаи.„Она што е прво и најважно се интензивните реформи на политиките за да се намали јавниот долг и да се забрзаат структурните реформи, особено во управувањето со јавниот сектор, инвестициската клима и пазарот на труд“.

Во 2012 година, влошените надворешни услови, влијанието на тешката зима врз економската активност и континуираниот раст на невработеноста влијаеа на потрошувачката, инвестициите и извозот, се објаснува во Извештајот. Тој исто така нотира дека кредитното заздравување и фискалната консолидација се под закана, додека нефункционалните кредити се повторно во раст. Како резултат на тоа, во регионот и надвор од него, условите се отежнаа и предизвиците во политиките потребни за стабилизација на економиите и поттикување на растот се сѐ потешки.

Во извештајот се нагласува дека, под притисок на надворешното опкружување, поконкурентната светска економија и несоодветните приходи, властите на ЈИЕ6 бараат начини за подобрување на ефикасноста, зајакнување на инфраструктурата, реформа на пазарот на труд, привлекување странски директни инвестиции, обновување на извозната база и обезбедување финансирање. Неколку земји ја подобрија инвестициската клима и напредуваа во рангирањето на Дуинг Бизнис извештајот за 2013 година. Но, без понатамошни реформи на пазарот на труд и значителни инвестиции во инфраструктурата, особено во енергетиката, ќе биде тешко да се намали невработеноста, да се подобри конкурентноста и да се постигне робустен раст.

Една опција која ја разгледуваат владите е интензивирање на процесот на приватизација (користејќи ги искуствата од минатото, добри и лоши), како дел од „вториот бран на приватизација“ – генерален напор за олеснување на финансиските ограничувања и за подобрување на конкурентноста. Поради тоа, власите во ЈИЕ6 бараат извори на капитал не само во земјите на ОЕЦД, туку и во земјите богати со ресурси и растечки земји со средни приходи како Турција, Русија, Кина и Азербејџан. За да бидат успешни, новите приватизации треба да се потрпат на лекциите од минатото, вклучувајќи ја и фундаменталната важност на транспарентноста.

Во овој извештај се потенцира дека ако се материјализираат забрзаните реформи, надворешната поддршка од ЕУ и од светските финансиски институции, добро координирана и насочена кон регионот во целина, би можела да помогне да се олесни транзицијата кон поодржлив раст на среден рок.

Извештајот е поделен на два дела. Во првиот дел- Последни настани, прогноза и предизвици на политиките, се разгледуваат повеќе прашања како што се надворешното опкружување кое се карактеризира со рецесија во Еврозоната и нови глобални ризици, последни настани и прашања на политиките во земјите на Западен Балкан: пазар на труд, трговија и надворешен долг, фискална политика, финансиски сектор, деловно опкружување, приватизации и енергетска инфраструктура. Во вториот дел- Управување ро ранливоста од шокови на цените на храната во ЈИЕ6, се разгледува влијанието од можното зголемување на цените на храната врз земјите од регионот. Се даваат и одредени конкретни препораки за секоја земја да може подобро да се подготви за можниот нов шок на цените на храната.

Редовните економски извештаи за Југоисточна Европа можат да се најдат на страницата: www.worldbank.org/eca/seerer.

Контакти:

Вашингтон: Кристин Шредер-Кинг, +1 (202) 458-2736, kschrader@worldbank.org

Приштина: Лундрим Алиу, +381 38 224 454, laliu1@worldbank.org

Скопје: Денис Бошковки, +389 2 3117 159, dboskovski@worldbank.org

Белград: Весна Костиќ, +381 11 3023 747, vkostic@worldbank.org

Сараево: Јасмина Хаџиќ, +387 33 251 502 jhadzic@worldbank.org

Подгорица: Драгана Варезиќ, + 382 20 665 353, dvarezic@worldbank.org

Тирана: Ана Ѓокутај, + 355 4 2 280 655, agjokutaj@worldbank.org

За барања за емитување: Наталија Чишлик, (202) 458-9369, ncieslik@worldbank.org

Ekonomija jugoistočne Evrope bilježi pad u 2012. i suočava se sa rizicima u 2013. godini

2012-12-18T16:00:00.000Z

Sarajevo, 18. decembar 2012. – Ekonomije šest zemalja jugoistočne Evrope (SEE6), posmatrane u cjelini, zabilježiće pad od 0,6 procenata u 2012. i suočavaju se sa velikim rizicima na pragu 2013., pri očekivanom rastu u sljedećoj godini od 1,6 procenata, kaže se u novom izvještaju Svjetske banke “Jugoistočna Evropa: Redovni ekonomski izvještaj br. 3” koji je danas objavljen.

“Jugoistočna Evropa: Redovni ekonomski izvještaj” obuhvata šest zemalja - Albaniju, Bosnu i Hercegovinu, Kosovo, BJR Makedoniju, Crnu Goru i Srbiju – i predviđa da će put ka trajnom oporavku biti težak i da će rast u 2013. u najboljem slučaju biti usporen, uz značajne rizike. Ono što može da predstavlja problem u 2013. su rizici po pitanju oporavka eurozone i visoke cijene standardizovanih proizvoda na međunarodnim tržištima –što predstavlja rizike na koje su sve zemlje SEE6 veoma osjetljive. Rizik novog šoka cijena hrane takođe bi mogao da poveća siromaštvo i izvrši dodatni pritisak na srednju klasu.

U uslovima ovakve neizvjesnosti, Albanija, Crna Gora i Srbija posebno moraju da budu istrajne u smanjenju fiskalnih deficita i snižavanju javnog duga, iako istovremeno moraju da nastave sa poboljšanjem investicione klime i reformama tržišta rada i javnog sektora. U svim zemljama SEE6, dug javnog sektora predstavlja poseban izazove za fiskalno upravljanje i privatni sektor i postoje nezavršeni programi strukturnih reformi.

“U ovakvom okruženju, potrebno je da vlade na zapadnom Balkanu provodu reforme koje doprinose dugoročnom rastu i otvaranju novih radnih mjesta,” kaže Željko Bogetić, vodeći ekonomista Svjetske banke i koordinator za ekonomsku politiku za zapadni Balkan i glavni autor izvještaja o SEE6, trećeg u seriji redovnih polugodišnjih izvještaja. “Ono što je najhitnije i najpotrebnije je intenzivnija reforma javne politike da bi se smanjio javni dug i ubrzale strukturne reforme, posebno u upravljanju javnim sektorom, investicijskoj klimi i tržištima rada.”

Perspektive za rast u SEE6 za 2012-2013.

	*2011.*	*2012. (proj)*	*2013. (proj)*
*SEE6*	*2,2*	*-0,6*	*1,6*
Albanija	3,0	0,8	1,6
Bosna i Hercegovina	1,3	0,0	0,5
Kosovo	5,0	3,6	3,3
BJR Makedonija	2,8	0,0	1,0
Crna Gora	3,2	0,2	0,8
Srbija	1,6	-2,0	2,0

EU11	3,1	0,9	1,3

Za Bosnu i Hercegovinu (BiH) ovo znači nastojati održati fiskalnu disciplinu i unaprijediti koordinaciju fiskalne politike. Zatim provesti mjere usmjerene na smanjenje opterećenja privatnog sektora u cilju podrške stvaranja novi radnih mjesta.

U 2012. došlo je do pogoršanja vanjskih uslova kroz značajniji uticaj sezonskih faktora na ekonomsku aktivnost. Ovo je rezultiralo daljim rastom nezaposlenosti kao i smanjenjem ukupne potrošnje, investicija i izvoza, objašnjava se u Izvještaju. Napominje se i da je ugrožen oporavak kreditne aktivnosti kao i fiskalne konsolidacije, dok nekvalitetni krediti iskazuju tendenciju rasta. Kao rezultat toga, postalo je mnogo teže nego ranije snalaziti se u okruženju kako u regionu tako i van njega, i teži su kompromisi u pogledu politika koje su potrebne da bi se stabilizovale ekonomije i ponovo potaknuo rast.

U Izvještaju se ističe da, pod pritiskom vanjskog okruženja, konkurentnijih ekonomija i nedovoljnih prihoda, vlade zemalja SEE6 traže načine da: poboljšaju efikasnost, ojačaju infrastrukturu, reformišu tržište rada, privuku direktne strane investicije (DSI), obnove izvozne kapacitete i obezbijede nove izvore finansiranja. Nekoliko zemalja je unaprijedilo svoje investicijske klime i poboljšalo plasman na globalnoj rang-listi „Doing Business“. Međutim, bez daljih reformi tržišta rada i značajnih investicija u infrastrukturu, posebno u energetiku, biće teško smanjiti nezaposlenost, poboljšati konkurentnost i podstaći rast.

Intenziviranje procesa privatizacije predstavlja jednu opciju (oslanjanje na iskustva iz prethodnog perioda, kako dobra tako i loša) koju vlade sve više razmatraju u sklopu “drugog talasa privatizacije” – opštih napora da se ublaže ograničenja finansiranja i poboljša konkurentnost. Stoga vlade zemalja SEE6 traže izvore kapitala ne samo u zemljama OECD-a već i u srednje razvijenim zemljama koje bilježe rast i bogate su resursima, kao što su Turska, Rusija, Kina i Azerbejdžan. Da bi bile uspješne, nove privatizacije treba da se oslone na pouke iz prošlosti, uključujući suštinsku važnost transparentnosti.

U Izvještaju se ističe da ukoliko se realizuju takve ubrzane reforme, vanjska podrška od EU i globalnih međunarodnih finansijskih institucija, dobro koordinirana i usmerena na region u cjelini, mogla bi da pomogne i olakša prelazak na rast u srednjoročnom periodu.

Izvještaj je podjeljen na dva dijela. Prvi dio, „Najnovija kretanja, perspektiva i izazovi u pogledu politika“, obrađuje više pitanja kao što su vanjsko okruženje koje karakteriše recesija u eurozoni i novi globalni rizici, nedavna kretanja i pitanja politike u zemljama zapadnog Balkana: tržišta rada, trgovina i vanjski dug, fiskalna politika, finansijski sektor, poslovno okruženje, privatizacije i energetska infrastruktura. Drugi dio, „Upravljanje ranjivošću na udare cijena hrane u SEE6“, bavi se uticajem mogućih povećanja cijena hrane na region. Takođe daje i konkretne preporuke za svaku zemlju pojedinačno kako bi se bolje pripremila za eventualni novi udar rastućih cijena hrane.

Redovni ekonomski izvještaji o jugoistočnoj Evropi dostupni su na adresi www.worldbank.org/eca/seerer.

Kontakti:

U Prištini: Lundrim Aliu, +381 38 224 454, laliu1@worldbank.org
U Skoplju: Denis Boškovski +389 2 3117 159, dboskovski@worldbank.org
U Beogradu: Vesna Kostić, +381 11 3023 747, vkostic@worldbank.org
U Sarajevu: Jasmina Hadžić, +387 33 251 502 jhadzic@worldbank.org
U Podgorici: Dragana Varezić, + 382 20 665 353, dvarezic@worldbank.org
U Tirani: Ana Gjokutaj, + 355 4 2 280 655, agjokutaj@worldbank.org
U Vašingtonu: Kristyn Schrader, +1 (202) 458-2736, kschrader@worldbank.org

Zahtjevi elektronskih medija: Natalia Cieslik, (202) 458-9369, ncieslik@worldbank.org

Dodatne informacije o Grupaciji Svjetske banke nalaze se na adresi www.worldbank.org

Posjetite nas na Facebook-u: http://www.facebook.com/worldbank
Budite u toku preko Twitter-a: http://www.twitter.com/worldbank
Naš YouTube kanal: http://www.youtube.com/worldbank