Wednesday, 13th November 2024

EU Approves Reform Agendas, Unlocking €6 Billion Growth Facility for Western Balkans

The European Commission has approved the Reform Agendas of Albania, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, following the positive opinion of EU Member States

These ambitious agendas outline the socio-economic and fundamental reforms that the five Western Balkan governments will undertake to drive growth and closer integration with the EU between 2024 and 2027, as part of the EU’s Growth Plan.

Ursula Von der Leyen, Photo: audiovisual.ec.europa.eu

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the efforts of the Western Balkan partners, stating: “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. It’s our roadmap to bring the economies of the Western Balkans closer to ours, and to give their companies access to compete in our Single Market. Everyone benefits, and it’s a big leap forward towards the European Union.”

This approval is a crucial step in unlocking payments under the EU’s €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility, which will be disbursed upon completion of the agreed reform steps

The Reform Agendas emphasize key reforms in areas such as rule of law, governance, the digital and green transition, human capital development, and improving the business environment.

In addition to these reforms, each country has proposed investments to be funded through the Facility, essential for unlocking socio-economic growth, which will be approved under the Western Balkan Investment Framework.

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