EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos met with leaders of the six Western Balkans partners – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia – in Skopje on July 1, for a high-level meeting dedicated to the EU Growth Plan for the region, the European Commission announced.

The summit marked one year since the launch of the initiative and focused on accelerating reforms and strengthening economic integration with the EU.

The Growth Plan, adopted by the EC in November 2023, aims to fast-track the Western Balkans' convergence with the EU through deeper market access, pre-accession funding and regional cooperation. It is backed by a €6bn Reform and Growth Facility (RGF) for 2024-2027, supporting more than 600 targeted reforms.

Four countries – North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Serbia – have already received pre-financing payments under the RGF. Kosovo was encouraged to finalise its approval procedures to access funding, while the EU welcomed Bosnia and Herzegovina's adoption of its draft Reform Agenda on June 27.

Commissioner Kos called for continued political commitment: “This instrument needs sustained and strong steer by political leaders to ensure full and swift delivery. That is key to accelerating economic growth and moving forward on the EU path,” she said. Leaders agreed to meet again in the autumn to maintain momentum.

On the investment front, a new €87.7mn package under the Western Balkans Investment Framework is set to mobilise over €487mn for eight clean energy projects in Albania, Montenegro and Serbia – including hydropower plant upgrades and renewable energy integration in district heating systems.

The meeting also highlighted progress in areas such as digital transformation, transport, and tourism. Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia have joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), simplifying euro transfers.

Work continues to expand Green Lanes at key border crossings and boost digital connectivity through WiFi4WB and EU digital identity initiatives.

Tourism cooperation is growing, with regional stakeholders now integrated into EU structures. Consumer protection and regulatory alignment are also advancing under the Single Market Highway initiative.

The Growth Plan is designed to deliver tangible benefits ahead of full EU membership, with the potential to double the Western Balkan economies in the next decade. The Commission will soon assess the first round of reforms and begin decisions on further disbursements.