The European Union has disbursed the first round of funds under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, allocating financial support to Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. However, Kosovo has yet to benefit from the plan due to its inability to ratify a credit agreement with the EU, RKS News reports.
Albania has received over €64.5 million, while North Macedonia and Montenegro have already been granted portions of the funds since March and May. Serbia has been allocated €51.7 million in soft loans, along with €59 million in grants and additional credits through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).
Kosovo is eligible to receive a total of around €882 million by 2027—the highest amount per capita in the region. However, the absence of a functional Assembly has blocked the ratification of the international agreement, which requires a two-thirds majority in parliament. As a result, even the first payment of approximately €61 million has not been disbursed.
The EU Growth Plan includes around 30 reforms and 100 activities focusing on key sectors such as energy and digital transition, private sector development, rule of law, and human capital. Funds will be distributed twice a year, but disbursements will depend on meeting reform conditions and constructive engagement in the EU-facilitated dialogue.
