Brussels – The European Commission presented the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans in November 2023, and it was approved by the European Parliament and Council in April 2024. This Plan, structured around four key pillars, aims to “close the economic and social gap” between the EU and the Balkan countries and to enable “practical integration even before they formally join as member states,” as Ursula von der Leyen stated.
The second pillar promotes internal economic integration through a Common Regional Market—also based on EU standards—which Brussels estimates could increase the economies of the six partner countries by 10%.
The third pillar focuses on reforms to support EU accession for candidate countries, attract foreign investment, and enhance regional stability.
The fourth pillar provides financial assistance: a new €6 billion Facility for the period 2024-2027, comprising €2 billion in grants and €4 billion in concessional loans, with payments linked to the implementation of socio-economic reforms under a reform agenda, similar to the Next Generation EU programme for the 27 EU Member States.
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