Albania and North Macedonia are the first countries to receive pre-financing payments from the European Union as part of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
Albania has been allocated €64.5 million, with €30 million as a loan for reform support and €34.5 million for infrastructure projects through the Balkan Investment Fund.
North Macedonia received €52.2 million, with €24.5 million directed toward the state budget for reforms and €28 million for infrastructure projects.
The €6 billion EU Growth Plan, set for 2024-2027, aims to accelerate the European integration of Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. It includes €2 billion in non-repayable funds and €4 billion in favorable loans.
Kosovo has yet to ratify its loan agreement in parliament to access its expected €950 million share. The EU has emphasized the need for Kosovo and Serbia to progress in normalizing relations as a prerequisite for accessing funds.
The plan also seeks to strengthen a regional common market that will gradually integrate with the EU market.
