Commission approves Reform Agendas of Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia

The European Commission has approved the Reform Agendas of Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, following positive opinions from EU Member States. These ambitious reform plans outline the socio-economic and fundamental reforms that the five Western Balkan governments will undertake to spur growth and align with the EU.

This crucial step enables the disbursement of funds from the EU’s €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility, which will be made upon completion of agreed reform steps.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “I’m impressed by the work of our Western Balkan partners on their Reform Agendas. It shows that they are committed to the success of the Growth Plan. It’s our roadmap to bring the economies of the Western Balkans closer to ours. And to give their companies the access and the means to compete on our Single Market. Everyone benefits, and it’s a big leap forward towards the European Union”.

The Reform Agendas focus on key areas such as rule of law, governance, digital and green transitions, human capital development, and the business environment. Each beneficiary country has also proposed a list of indicative investments to be funded under the Facility, which are aimed at unlocking socio-economic growth.

The Commission assessed each Reform Agenda based on the criteria established by the Reform and Growth Facility Regulation and concluded that they fulfill the objectives of the Facility.

Payments will be made twice a year until 2027, subject to the fulfillment of specific conditions, including upholding democratic mechanisms, rule of law, and human rights, ensuring macro-financial stability, and implementing agreed reforms.

The Commission is working with Bosnia and Herzegovina to finalize its Reform Agenda, aiming to include it in the process.

The Commission will now proceed with signing loan and facility agreements with the beneficiaries, which will include obligations to prevent fraud, corruption, and irregularities, and to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds.