EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos arrived in Skopje on Monday for a two-day visit as part of the EU–Western Balkans Summit focused on the Growth Plan, aimed at accelerating economic convergence and integration of the region into the European Union.
Kos was welcomed by North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski, after which she held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. Following the talks, Mickoski stated that the government remains firmly committed to EU membership through the implementation of essential reforms in the rule of law, economic development, and digital transformation.
“Commissioner Kos welcomed the government’s reform agenda and reaffirmed the European Commission’s support for the region’s EU path,” the government said in a statement.
Minister Mucunski emphasized that the country remains fully aligned with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and is a signatory of the Union’s Security and Defense Partnership.
The European Commission announced that Kos would meet in Skopje with the leaders of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, and North Macedonia to discuss ways to advance reforms and accelerate integration into the EU’s single market.
The Growth Plan, worth €6 billion, was adopted in May 2024 and includes grants and favorable loans for Western Balkan countries based on their progress in implementing the 2024–2027 reform agenda. North Macedonia is eligible for €750 million.
The opposition Social Democratic Union (SDSM) accused the government of lacking the will and capacity to implement the reform agenda, claiming millions from the Growth Plan have gone unused. “Zero reforms, no new projects,” said SDSM leader Venko Filipče.
Minister for European Affairs Orhan Murtezani responded that while reform implementation in June would be slightly lower, the funds are not at risk if reforms are completed successfully by June 2026.
According to the summit agenda, two panel discussions will take place tomorrow. Mickoski and Kos are expected to deliver opening remarks at the panel on the Growth Plan, followed by a joint press conference. The second panel will focus on implementation mechanisms, with participation from ministers and senior representatives from the EU and other international partners.