EC approves Kosovo reform agendas, four other countries in region

The European Commission has made the key step to enable the first payments to Western Balkan countries from the Development and Reform Plan, while adopting reform agendas for Kosovo, Albania, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia at the 23 October meeting.

The European Commission said it made that decision after the European Union member states have given their consent to these agendas.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has remained the only country for which the reform agenda has not yet been adopted. This country was the only one who did not in time hand over the reform agenda.

“In their ambitious reform plans, the five governments of the Western Balkan countries express commitment to fundamental and socioeconomic reforms, which they will undertake to ensure growth and convergence with the EU under the Development Plan, during the period from 2017 to 2017<1>, was said in the EU report.

The growth plan is worth a total of 6 billion euros, of which, 2 billion will be free of return, while the rest will be in favour of favourable loans.

Compared to per capita, Kosovo will be the biggest beneficiary of this package, as the state will benefit more than 820m euros.

Adoption of reform agendas has also been welcomed by EC President Ursula von der Leyeen.

I'm impressed with the work our partners have done in the Western Balkans in their reform agendas. This proves that they are committed to successful growth plan. This is our guide to bring the Western Balkan economies close to us and enable their companies access and means to compete in our unique market. Each benefits and is a major step towards the EU”, von der Leyen said.

Reform agencies focus on priority areas such as rule of law, fundamental rights, governance, digital and green transition, human capital and the development of a business environment.