Two regional projects will be presented to show some of the challenges faced in SoutheastEurope, and how the European Commission, through its Instrument for Pre-accessionAssistance (IPA), is working together with the national and local authorities to overcome them. EU funding is a catalyst for reforms and improvement of the overall conditions in theenlargement countries, playing a key role on their journey to EU membership. The IPA-fundedprojects contribute to new job opportunities, better environmental protection, safer borders,modernised customs regulations and increased cross-border cooperation, among others. Thesehave an impact on both the enlargement region and the EU Member States.