BRUSSELS – Albania and North Macedonia have received pre-financing from the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, with Montenegro expected to follow this week, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said on Monday.
Speaking at a joint session of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs (AFET) and Budgets (BUDG) Committees in Brussels, Kos said all five beneficiaries with approved reform agendas—excluding Bosnia and Herzegovina—had submitted requests for the first installment of funding by March 15. These requests are currently being assessed by the European Commission, with disbursements likely in the second or third quarter of 2025.
The Growth Plan, unveiled by the Commission in 2023, aims to accelerate socio-economic convergence between the six Western Balkan countries and the EU. The facility includes €4 billion in highly preferential loans and guarantees, and €2 billion in grants.
“The reform agendas have reinforced our dialogue with partners in the region. We have moved from ambition to action—it is a shared journey and both sides should do more,” Kos told MEPs.
The Commission adopted an Implementing Decision in October 2024 approving the reform agendas, making EU financial support conditional on the fulfilment of specific reforms. Pre-financing disbursements under the Facility began in March.
Kos acknowledged that while most Western Balkan countries are implementing reforms in areas such as the rule of law, there have been delays on both the side of the beneficiaries and within the Commission itself.
“We are engaging closely with Bosnia and Herzegovina to help the country adopt its reform agenda—for the benefit of its people,” she added.
Kos said the Commission would pay close attention to the transparency of how funds under the Growth Plan are spent.
“Zero implementation” in Serbia
Addressing the individual progress of countries, Kos expressed concern over Serbia’s reform performance.
“Regarding Serbia, we are now evaluating whether to proceed with the payment or not,” she said, citing lack of progress on three key media laws, reforms to the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM), and changes to electoral laws.
“There has been zero implementation since December 2024,” Kos said, noting that despite promises from Serbia’s President and new government leadership, action has not followed.
“I am not 100% sure whether Serbia is following the EU path. I want to see actions, not just promises. It’s a crucial time for Serbia,” she added.
On Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kos said it would be beneficial if the country developed a comprehensive roadmap for EU accession.
Civil society’s role vital
Kos also underscored the role of civil society organisations in the region in overseeing reform efforts.
“Civil society should monitor what governments are doing—or failing to do. Their role in this process is very important,” she said.
The joint committee session marked the second dialogue on the Reform and Growth Facility for the region.