EU provides 158.9 million euros to Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia through the Western Balkans Plan

Brussels – Support for the development of sustainable transport systems, clean energy, digitalisation, and human capital development: the European Commission has made 158.9 million euros available to Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia under the  EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. The funds made available by the EU executive are allocated as follows: 49 million euros to Albania, 44.2 million euros to Montenegro, and 65.7 million euros to North Macedonia. This brings the EU contribution to the government in Tirana to 212.8 million euros to date, while those for Podgorica and Skopje rise to 89.3 million euros and 142.1 million euros, respectively.

In Albania,  the reforms assessed by the Commission include measures to improve the business environment, facilitate investment and innovation, and expand access to finance, including for start-ups and companies active in the green and digital sectors. Of the 49 million euros disbursed, 22.8 million euros will be transferred to the state budget, while the remaining funds will be made available to investment projects through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), subject to the applicable approval procedures.

 https://www.eunews.it/2023/11/08/piano-di-crescita-ue-balcani-occidentali/ 

In Montenegro, on the other hand, the Commission assessed reforms in the area of research and innovation, including support for scientists, businesses, and research institutions, as well as further strengthening of the national innovation ecosystem. Of the 44.2 million euros disbursed, 20.6 million  euros will be transferred to the state budget, while the remaining funds will be made available for investment projects through the WBIF. 

Finally, in North Macedonia, the EU made a positive assessment of measures to improve the financing of primary and secondary education and measures to expand access to digital infrastructure and IT equipment in schools. Of the 65.7 million euros disbursed, 30.6 million euros will be transferred to the state budget, while the remaining funds will be made available for investment projects through the WBIF. 

The Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, expressed her satisfaction: the progress made in Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia “shows how reforms translate to visible benefits for citizens.” In this regard, she adds, “The Growth Plan makes a real difference in people’s daily lives across the Western Balkans.”