The European Union (EU) has prepared a growth plan of 6 billion euros to align the economies of the countries of the Western Balkans with European ones.

The European Commission announced the proposal of the new growth plan for the Western Balkans, which aims to stimulate economic growth and accelerate socio-economic convergence.

According to the plan prepared with the aim of accelerating the enlargement process and supporting reforms and investments that will stimulate economic growth, a new Reform and Growth fund of 6 billion euros will be created for the Western Balkans for the period 2024-2027.

Of these, 2 billion euros will consist of grants and 4 billion euros from privileged loans.

With this source, the compatibility of the Western Balkans with the Single Market and the increase of economic integration will be aimed.

In the plan, the priority areas will be the free movement of products, services and workers, access to the European payment area, facilitation of road transport, integration of energy markets and supply chains.

Through the Common Regional Market based on EU rules and standards, economic integration in the Western Balkans will be further expanded. In order for the said proposal to enter into force, it is necessary that it be approved by the European Parliament (EP) and the member countries.

The plan aims to increase the EU’s economic relations with Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro.

/k.s/