The EC approves the reform agendas of Albania and four other states of the region

2024-10-23 14:05:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The EC approves the reform agendas of Albania and four other states of the

The European Commission has taken the key step to enable the first payments to the countries of the Western Balkans from the Growth and Reform Plan, by approving the reform agendas for Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia at the October 23 meeting.

The European Commission said it took this decision after the member states of the European Union have given their consent to these agendas.

Bosnia and Herzegovina remains the only country for which the reform agenda has not yet been approved. This state was the only one that did not submit the reform agenda on time.

"In their ambitious reform plans, the five governments of the Western Balkan countries express their commitment to fundamental and socio-economic reforms which they will undertake to ensure growth and convergence with the EU within the framework of the Growth Plan, during the period from 2024 to 2017", the EU announcement said. The Growth Plan has a total value of 6 billion euros, of which 2 billion will be non-refundable money, while the rest will be in the form of favorable loans.

Compared per capita, Kosovo will be the biggest beneficiary of this package, as the state will benefit more than 820 million euros.

The approval of the reform agenda was also welcomed by the President of the EC, Ursula von der Leyen.

"I am impressed with the work that our partners in the Western Balkans have done in their reform agendas. This proves that they are committed to making the Growth Plan a success. This is our roadmap to bring the economies of the Western Balkans closer to us and provide their enterprises with the access and tools to compete in our unique market. Everyone benefits and it is a big step towards the EU", declared von der Leyen.

The reform agendas focus on priority areas such as the rule of law, fundamental rights, governance, digital and green transition, human capital and the development of a business environment./ Rel