What EU ENLARGEMENT Means For You
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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 With YOU:
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.
Economic development
EU support helps local businesses grow, create jobs, and connect to the European market.
Infrastructure
EU investments improve roads, hospitals, and public services in your community.
Equal rights and better services
EU standards support fair rules, transparency, and better public services.
Creative HUB Belgrade,
Creative HUB Tirana,
Creative HUB Podgorica,
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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