; (H) projects that support regional energy security and reduce dependence on Russian energy; (I) technical assistance and generating private investment in projects that promote connectivity and energy-sharing in the Western Balkans region; (J) technical assistance to support regional collaboration on environmental protection that includes governmental, political, civic, and business stakeholders; and (K) technical assistance to develop financing options and help create linkages with potential financing institutions and investors. (4) Requirements All programming under the initiative authorized under paragraph (1) shall— (A) be open to the participation of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia; (B) be consistent with European Union accession requirements; (C) be focused on retaining talent within the Western Balkans; (D) promote government policies in Western Balkans countries that encourage free and fair competition, sound governance, environmental protection, and business environments that are conducive to sustainable and inclusive economic growth