Western Balkan leaders, joined by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, convened in Skopje to reaffirm their commitment to the EU-backed Growth Plan. The high-level meeting focused on accelerating reforms, fostering economic integration, and leveraging the €6 billion financial instrument to bring the region closer to EU membership.
Western Balkans Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to EU Growth Plan at Skopje Meeting
Skopje, North Macedonia – Leaders from the six Western Balkan partners (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia) gathered in Skopje on July 1, 2025, alongside EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. The high-level meeting centered on the EU-backed Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, with participants reiterating their strong determination to capitalize on the opportunities it presents for regional development and EU integration.
Key Takeaways from the Skopje Summit
- Accelerated Reform Implementation: A year of intensive cooperation and reform advancement across finance, transport, digital connectivity, and market integration was reviewed. Leaders committed to regular meetings to sustain the political momentum behind the Plan’s implementation.
- Financial Support and Reform Agendas: The Reform & Growth Facility (RGF) provides €6 billion in financial support for over 600 ambitious reforms. Pre-financing payments have been made to North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, and Serbia. Bosnia and Herzegovina recently adopted a draft Reform Agenda, while Kosovo is encouraged to accelerate its approval process to unlock pre-financing.
- New Investments in Clean Energy: An investment package of €87.7 million, expected to mobilize €487.3 million, was proposed for eight new clean energy projects in Albania, Montenegro, and Serbia. These include:
- Construction of overhead lines and substations.
- Rehabilitation of hydropower plants.
- Integration of renewable energy into district heating systems.
- Advancing Regional and EU Single Market Integration: Significant progress has been made in several areas:
- SEPA Membership: Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia have joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), streamlining euro financial transfers.
- Green Lanes: Implementation is underway to improve transit flows at 11 busiest crossing points, with financial support for infrastructure needs.
- Digital Connectivity: Seven European Digital Innovation Hubs have been selected, and efforts are ongoing for EU digital identity wallets and reducing roaming rates.
- Tourism and Consumer Protection: Initiatives are fostering the Western Balkans’ tourism ecosystem and enhancing consumer rights and product safety.
- Single Market Highway: Focus on industrial alliances, strengthening value chains, and accelerating regulatory convergence.
The Growth Plan: A Catalyst for Convergence
Adopted by the European Commission on November 8, 2023, the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans aims to:
- Integrate Western Balkan partners into the EU’s Single Market.
- Advance regional economic cooperation.
- Deepen EU-related reforms.
- Increase pre-accession funding to accelerate socio-economic convergence with the EU.
Commissioner Kos emphasized the Plan as an
Sources
- Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood.
- Western Balkans Leaders’ meeting in Skopje reaffirms commitment for swift delivery of the Growth Plan –
European Commission, Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood. - Western Balkans leaders’ meeting in Skopje reaffirms commitment for swift delivery of the Growth Plan, EEAS.
- Skopje to Host Meeting of Western Balkan Leaders and Marta Kos on EU Growth Plan, БТА.
- EU enlargement summit in Skopje highlights urgency for Western Balkans reforms, Caliber.Az.
