North Macedonia’s capital will host a high-level EU-Western Balkans summit on June 30 and July 1, with leaders gathering to accelerate the implementation of the EU Growth Plan for the region, the European Commission said on Sunday.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos will attend the two-day summit alongside the prime ministers of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro, and host country North Macedonia.
“The Growth Plan offers tangible benefits for the six Western Balkan countries preparing for EU membership. The Skopje summit will assess progress and define next steps for its implementation,” the European Commission said in a statement.
The event will kick off on Monday with bilateral talks between North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Commissioner Kos, followed by extended delegation meetings. The main program is scheduled for Tuesday, when the remaining regional leaders are expected to arrive.
The first panel will focus on the political and strategic significance of the Growth Plan, with opening remarks by Mickoski and Kos. A second session will address technical and financial aspects, featuring regional ministers, EU officials, regional bodies, and international partners.
The EU Growth Plan, unveiled in October 2023, includes a €6 billion package—comprising grants and concessional loans—intended to support reforms and investment in key areas such as energy, infrastructure, and digital transformation. The funding aims to boost economic development and help align the Western Balkan countries with EU standards.
Organizers expect the summit to deliver concrete conclusions and fresh momentum for the region’s EU integration and economic advancement.