The Growth Plan for Western Balkan candidate countries is an instrument for reforms to get closer to the EU before full-fledged membership.
Reforms are not simple, but they are necessary for citizens of the six countries in the region to feel the benefits of the joint European market, stability, security, and prosperity before membership. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said on Tuesday in Skopje, at the high-level meeting dedicated to the Plan, with the leaders of North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia.
As she pointed out, 75% of agreed-upon reforms have been either fulfilled or are underway, with regards to all countries. Regarding North Macedonia, she welcomed the deal with Bulgaria on Corridor 8.
According to PM Hristijan Mickoski, his country is the leader in terms of reforms supported by the Plan, with 75%. He described the Plan as a tool to transform the country before full-fledged membership. Though there is a delay with regards to plans from the Justice, Energy and Economy Ministries, the PM is adamant they will be submitted in the next two weeks.
North Macedonia was the first country in the region that received 52.4 million euros from the Plan in April, while it has submitted plans for reforms for four projects worth 19 million euros, nine of which concern capital investments.
The PMs of Albania and Kosovo, Edi Rama and Albin Kurti, respectively, described the Plan as an opportunity for cooperation of countries from the region on the road to EU integration.