On Monday, October 6, leaders of the Western Balkans will gather in Durrës, Albania for the Brdo-Brioni Initiative Summit, focusing on the region’s European perspective and the implementation of the EU Growth Plan.
Held under the motto “Common interests, joint commitment for a shared future: Together towards the EU”, the summit is co-organized by the Presidents of Slovenia and Croatia, Natasha Pirc Musar and Zoran Milanović, and chaired by the President of Albania, Bajram Begaj.
Key Agenda: EU Growth Plan
The main point of discussion will be the €6 billion EU Growth Plan (2024–2027), aimed at gradually integrating the Western Balkans into the EU single market while fostering economic convergence and reforms.
Slovenia, one of the initiative’s founders (2013), is expected to reiterate that EU enlargement remains the most effective geopolitical tool for securing stability, peace, and security in the region. The summit will also highlight regional cooperation as a pillar for EU integration.
High-Level Participation
All members of the initiative are confirmed to attend: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
Notable participants include:
- Vjosa Osmani, President of Kosovo
- Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia
- Jakov Milatović, President of Montenegro
- Members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President of North Macedonia
Allocation of EU Growth Funds (2024–2027)
- Serbia: €1.5 billion+
- Albania: €920 million+
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: ~€900 million (reduced by 10% due to delays)
- Kosovo: €880 million
- North Macedonia: €750 million+
- Montenegro: €380 million
Background
The Brdo-Brioni Initiative was launched in 2013 by Slovenia and Croatia to support Western Balkan countries on their EU path. Last year’s summit in Montenegro reaffirmed commitments to good neighborly relations, reforms, and the Green Agenda. The 2025 summit in Durrës is expected to reinforce these pledges, with special emphasis on the economic dimension and EU alignment.
