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What EU ENLARGEMENT Means For You

  • More jobs & business opportunities
  • Better infrastructure & services
  • Access to EU programmes (study, travel, professional growth)

EU enlargement is the process through which countries join the European Union by strengthening their economies, institutions, and public services. For citizens of the Western Balkans, this already means more opportunities: more jobs, support for local businesses, better infrastructure, and access to EU programmes for studying, travelling, and growing careers. The EU is one of the largest partners and investors in the Western Balkans – supporting economic growth, infrastructure, and opportunities for citizens across the region.

EU With YOU: A story of people moving the region forward

EU Support at a Glance

Investment & Support

Up to €9 billion in EU funding mobilised through the Economic and Investment Plan. A new €6 billion Growth Plan (2024–2027) to accelerate reforms, boost economies, and bring EU benefits closer to citizens.

Jobs & Economy

The EU is the region’s largest trade partner, accounting for around 70% of total trade. EU companies generate 65% of foreign direct investment, supporting businesses, innovation, and job creation.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Investments in roads, railways, energy, and digital networks are improving regional connectivity and bringing the Western Balkans closer to the EU single market.

Youth & Opportunities

Programmes like Erasmus+ support study, training, and exchanges, opening doors for young people to learn, work, and connect across borders.

EU Enlargement is not just about future membership, it is already delivering concrete benefits.

EU With YOU:

A Story of people moving the Region forward

EU With YOU is built on a simple but powerful truth: EU accession is not only a technical negotiation or a political milestone—it is a human journey. It is lived every day in the choices people make, in the hopes they carry, and in the determination of communities across the Western Balkans to build a better future.

Accession becomes meaningful only when it touches real lives—when it reflects the challenges people face and the aspirations they hold for themselves, their families, and their societies. That is why EU With YOU places people at the very centre of its story.

The EU is not a distant actor, but a committed partner—standing alongside citizens, communities, institutions, and national and regional actors who are already working to move the Western Balkans forward.

And these stories are everywhere — in every town and village, across languages, cultures, and experiences.

Progress is shared
Responsibility is shared
The future is built together

Economic development

EU support helps local businesses grow, create jobs, and connect to the European market.

Creative HUB Belgrade,

29–30 April, 2026

EU Support in Action – selection of the stories from Economic development HUB in Belgrade

    BIH

    Wrap up by Kerim Cutuna, BIH

    Serbia

    Guide through EU Support for women by Anja Stanisic

    RTCG EUwithYOU

    ETV story EUwithYOU

    Montenegro

    Në Beograd u theksuan mundësitë e mbështetjes ekonomike të BE-së për Ballkanin Perëndimor

    BHRT Story EUwithYOU

    ETV Guest appearance EUwithYOU

    ETV story EUwithYOU 2

    All 33 accession chapters opened; first Growth Plan funds released in 2025

    Investments in energy efficiency, transport corridors, and environmental protection

    Rule of Law conference activities strengthening institutions and public trust

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    Visa-free travel to the Schengen area since 2024

    EU support for digital infrastructure, broadband connectivity, and high-performance computing

    Reform Agenda approved—unlocking Growth Plan investments in green and digital transition

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    The EU is the largest trade and investment partner, 65% of foreign direct investment

    First Growth Plan funds were released in January 2026 for economic reforms

    EU Opportunities Week, SEPA launch, and Agriculture Fair driving business growth

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    Candidate country status granted in 2022; accession negotiations opened in 2024

    EU support for rule of law, democratic institutions, and regional connectivity

    Reform Agenda submitted to unlock Growth Plan funding for economic transformation

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    Accession negotiations opened in 2022; 28 chapters opened by October 2025

    Corridor VIII tunnel project with Bulgaria—EU-backed regional connectivity

    Growth Plan funds released for reforms in governance, green transition, and skills

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    Over €1.4 billion committed—150+ projects in energy, transport, education, and governance

    53 modernised schools completed; new railway links cutting travel times and emissions

    €477 million in infrastructure grants supporting €4.7 billion in investments

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