Regional—Advancing Commerce Connectivity and Exports Leading to Economic Readiness for Accession to the EU (ACCELERATE)

Economic growth in the Western Balkans, Caucasus, Ukraine, and Moldova faces many challenges that have been exacerbated due to the impact of COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. Russian’s invasion in particular has brought renewed energy to the European Union (EU) accession process and greater interest in Euro-Atlantic integration. The Advancing Commerce Connectivity and Exports Leading to Economic Readiness for Accession to the EU (ACCELERATE) program, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, works to advance EU market integration and support the accession process in up to 10 aspiring countries, including Moldova, Ukraine, and countries across the Western Balkans.

ACCELERATE works with countries to help them meet the economic, governance, and political criteria associated with accession and by addressing common economic constraints to accession on a regional basis. It also advances Euro-Atlantic integration in non-accession countries who are interested in closer ties with western markets.

Our work addresses issues such as trade facilitation, access to finance, compliance with EU standards and obligations (for both public and private entities), investment transparency, public financial management, and anti-corruption measures.

Through our leadership, networks, localized structure, and technical experience, the DAI-led consortium drives the change needed to achieve ACCELERATE’s objectives.

Sample Activities

• Foster strong public-private engagement in reform processes.
• Structure and deploy innovative, catalytic financing mechanisms to mobilize finance and private investment.
• Remove barriers to regional and cross-border trade with the EU.
• Support public and private sector capacity for compliance in critical economic areas.
• Form strategic partnerships with EU-supported regional entities.