North Macedonia has become the first country in the region to receive pre-financing under the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, following the successful adoption of its Reform Agenda.

The initial €52.2 million will help kick-start key reforms. Of this, €24.5 million will go directly to the state budget to support reform implementation, while €28 million will be channelled through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) to fund infrastructure projects.

Over the 2024–2027 period, North Macedonia stands to receive up to €750.4 million in total from the EU’s Reform and Growth Facility. The support will focus on strengthening public administration, rule of law, anti-corruption, green and digital transitions, better connectivity, and human capital development.

Background

The Western Balkans Growth Plan offers a roadmap to bring the economies of the Western Balkans closer to the European Union. It also facilitates gradual access to the Single Market, allowing citizens in Western Balkans to reap some early benefits of the EU integration, as well as supports further regional economic integration.

The Growth Plan provides EUR 6 billion in additional financial assistance to support socio-economic and fundamental reforms and related investments. Payments are conditional upon the achievement of reforms specified in the Reform Agendas prepared by each beneficiary (https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/commission-implementing-decision-approving-reform-agendas-and-multiannual-work-programme-under_en).

The European Commission is currently working on the assessment of the first set of reform steps. The fulfilment of these steps will entitle Albania to receive the correspondent disbursement under the Facility.