Albania has received €64.5 million in pre-financing from the EU’s new Reform and Growth Facility—part of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which aims to accelerate the region’s path to EU membership. 

The support includes €30 million in concessional loans to Albania’s state budget to help implement its Reform Agenda. Another €34.5 million, in grants and loans, will be directed through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) to upgrade infrastructure across the country. 

“The European Union stands by Albania’s side on its path to EU accession. The Growth Plan helps Albania to achieve this goal and to bring the Albanian economy closer to that of the European Union before Albania becomes a member. We are supporting Albania consolidate its rule of law, to develop its infrastructure, its green economy, its human capital and its private business. Europe is here to support sustainable growth and social cohesion as Albania prepares to access the EU’s single market,” said EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato. 

Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka called the support a clear sign of trust from the EU in Albania’s reform path: “We value this as a clear sign of trust from the EU in Albania’s reform path and steady progress toward joining the European family. We fully embrace the magnitude of this historical opportunity, as well as the commitments ahead, and we are energetically motivated and prepared to continue reforming and diligently delivering on meeting the criteria for Albania’s European Union membership! Europe is here!” 

Albania could receive up to €922.1 million by 2027 through this Facility, as it advances key reforms in governance, human capital, the digital and green economy, and private sector 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.