The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will push for better economic integration in the Western Balkans region at a summit in Trieste, Italy.

The EBRD supports regional projects in the Western Balkans, working with other financial institutions and the European Union to improve economic opportunities in the area, according to a press release.

At the July 12 summit, the EBRD will promote a “soft connectivity agenda” to connect markets and boost commercial ties to boost the business environment as a whole.

“The further economic integration of the Western Balkans is crucial to the economic development of the region as it continues to gear up for closer ties with the European Union,” Pierre Heilbronn, EBRD vice president for policy and partnerships, said in the release. 

Heilbronn will also promote support of small and medium businesses at the summit, the release said.

The EBRD is working on a memorandum of understanding with Bosnia and Herzegovina to help bolster the business climate, as it did in Albania and Serbia.

The EBRD thus far has financed nearly $11.4 billion in projects and businesses in the region.