The European Union gave a positive opinion on progress made by candidate countries in the Western Balkan region, prompting the Commission to approve its Reform Agenda to support reforms and alignment with the EU system over the next three years.
Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia received the approval, whilst Bosnia and Herzegovina is yet to submit its Reform Agenda for evaluation, but the Commission is expecting it soon.
Commenting on the approval, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “I’m impressed by the work of our Western Balkan partners on their Reform Agendas. It shows that they are committed to the success of the Growth Plan.”
As part of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, all five countries will have access to a €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility, conditional upon completion of specific reforms. Payments will be made by the EU twice per year until 2027.
“The implementation of the ambitious Reform Agendas will bring an additional €6 billion support to the Western Balkans,” said Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi.
Among the pre-conditions to receive the payments, the countries involved have to show democratic stability, respect for the rule of law and human rights. Serbia and Kosovo have a special pre-condition linked with the normalisation of their relationship. The countries must also fulfil financial conditions, specifically of stability and financial management. The fund includes €2 billion in grants and €4 billion in highly concession loans.
The plan was unveiled by the Commission at the end of 2023 with the specific aim to accelerate growth in the region and push its socio-economic integration in the EU, prior to full membership to the bloc.
“It’s our roadmap to bring the economies of the Western Balkans closer to ours. And to give their companies the access and the means to compete on our Single Market,” said von der Leyen.
