European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and the leaders of six partners from the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) gathered today in Skopje for a high-level meeting dedicated to the implementation of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, an initiative supported by the EU with the aim of accelerating the region’s integration into the Union’s single market.
During the meeting, the progress so far in the implementation of reforms in the areas of finance, transport, digital connectivity and market integration was analysed. The leaders confirmed their political commitment to the implementation of the Plan and agreed on regular meetings, including the next one planned for the fall of this year.
As part of the Growth Plan, the partners developed their own reform agendas as part of the Reform and Growth Instrument, worth six billion euros for the period 2024-2027. year. So far, pre-financing has been paid to North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Serbia, while Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the draft Reform Agenda on June 27, and Kosovo is expected to speed up the approval process, the European Commission announced.
Commissioner Kos reminded that this instrument requires sustainable and strong direction and ownership by political leaders in order to ensure a quick and comprehensive implementation. This will accelerate the growth of partners and ensure their progress on the road to EU accession. Although the results of certain important reforms are already visible, during the meeting, partners were invited to speed up the implementation of the plan. It is precisely to this end that the Commission achieves close cooperation with partners from the Western Balkans.
In order to encourage green investments, the Commission proposed a new investment package within the Investment Framework for the Western Balkans (WBIF), worth 87.7 million euros, which would mobilize a total of more than 487 million euros for eight investments in clean energy in Albania, Montenegro and Serbia. The projects include the modernization of energy networks, the rehabilitation of hydroelectric power plants and the development of solar heating systems.
During the meeting, the progress in the gradual integration of partners into the single EU market was evaluated. Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia have already joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA system), which facilitates cross-border financial transactions in euros. The commission announced infrastructure support for 11 key border crossings through the safe and sustainable transport program under the “Green Corridors” initiative.
In the area of digital connectivity, activities have already begun through the European Centers for Digital Innovation, the WiFi4WB initiative, as well as through work on the introduction of a digital identity wallet in accordance with the practice of EU member states.
Based on the first call, seven European centers for digital innovation were selected to support small and medium-sized enterprises in their digital transformation and transition, and activities started in January 2025, and more calls are being prepared. In connection with the EU digital identity wallet, the partners from the Western Balkans work with the same dynamics as the EU member states. In addition, over 300 municipalities have applied for WiFi for the Western Balkans (WiFi4WB), and the first access points should be established in the last quarter of this year.
The Commission and the countries of the Western Balkans will also redouble their efforts to reduce roaming prices, which would enable citizens to use roaming as if they were at home when moving within the EU and in the Western Balkans. Progress in the development of the regional tourism ecosystem and the strengthening of consumer protection through institutional and technical support was also confirmed.
Ultimately, the Single Market Highway initiative will focus on strong industrial alliances and strengthening value chains between the Western Balkans and the European Union; acceleration of regulatory convergence and integration of business communities.
The leaders committed to accelerating the implementation of reforms, improving communication with citizens and the economy, and reporting regularly on progress. In the coming weeks, the European Commission will complete the assessment of the first phase of the implementation of the reforms and make decisions on the next payments under the Instrument for Reforms and Growth.
The growth plan for the Western Balkans, adopted by the Commission on November 8, 2023, aims to deepen regional cooperation, accelerate reforms and strengthen the region’s economic convergence with the EU.
