Category ""
ADVERTISING
On 8 November 2023, the Commission adopted the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. This ambitious Plan aims to accelerate the socio-economic convergence of the region with the EU and pave the way to EU membership.
At least half of the total amount (grants and loans) will go to investments through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). The remaining amount of loans will be provided to the treasuries of the Western Balkan governments to accelerate growth based on socio-economic reforms.
The European Commission greenlighted the proposed reform agendas of Albania, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, under the Reform and Growth Facility criteria. It opened the way for funding from the Growth Plan of EUR 2 billion in grants and EUR 4 billion in highly concessional loans.
The first funds from this financial instrument are expected to be released soon, after the European Commission officially approves the Reform Agendas submitted by Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo.
The Republic of Serbia has received an initial payment of €51.66 million from the European Union as part of the pre-financing under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, announced Serbia’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Siniša Mali.
The EC decision on the disbursement of the first tranche of funds for Serbia and Kosovo, respectively, will also assess the fulfilment of the preconditions, including those on the Normalisation Dialogue, taking into account the latest developments on the subject.
cdinstitute.eu DownloadIn parallel to the finalisation and entry into force of the Agreements, a Commission Implementing Decision (CID) for the release of the grant part of the pre-financing was adopted on 29 April 2025.
Financial support under the Facility will only be disbursed upon the successful implementation of reforms by the beneficiaries. Each beneficiary has to prepare a Reform Agenda, which is consulted, assessed and approved by the Commission following positive assessment by the Council.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Siniša Mali stated today that the Republic of Serbia has received the first funds from the European Union in the amount of €51.66 million as part of the pre-financing from the Western Balkans Growth Plan.
At the end of March 2025, the EU started disbursing the pre-financing payments foreseen under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. North Macedonia and Albania are underway to receive the first payment, and Serbia is to follow suit.