EC: Kosovo qualifies for payment from Growth Plan, if meeting conditions

The European Commission (KE) has said on Friday that Kosovo, like other countries, will qualify to accept payments from the European Union's Growth Plan (BE) for the Western Balkans if it meets the required conditions.

But, EC spokeswoman Ana Pisonero, has not responded directly to Radio Free Europe's question (REL) if the current EU punitive measures towards Kosovo will also apply to tools from this particular financial package.

Kosovo, as well as the rest of the Western Balkans, is considered qualified for funds from the Development Plan, if it meets the conditions for payment”, Pisonero told REL.

The European Commission had imposed punitive measures on Kosovo a year earlier due to the escalation of the security situation in the north.

Following punitive measures, Kosovo remained outside the grants the EU approved in July last year, worth 2.1 billion euros.

Kosovo authorities argue they have met all conditions for removing these measures.

The EU is now considering the degree or immediate removal of these measures. A report by EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Josep Borrell is expected for this.

Meanwhile, regarding the 6 billion-euro plan that was recently adopted for the Balkans, Pisonero has reiterated that, for Kosovo and Serbia, the precondition to obtain payment from this package is constructive commitment to normalising neighbourly relations.

The 6 billion-euro growth plan for six partners from the Western Balkans represents a comprehensive EU bid to strengthen socioeconomic conditions. It also envisions progressive access to the unique EU market, provided progress is achieved in the common regional market and mechanisms for intensive reform”, she added.

She underlined that the Development Plan is not an alternative to the EU enlargement process, “but is an offer that will help and accelerate this process”.

Pisonero has reiterated that there are some strict conditions that will be required by countries in the region to secure payments from this package.

The payment from the growth package will be subject to strict conditions. This includes reforms in key areas as well as socioeconomic ones. In the case of Kosovo and Serbia, there is a general precondition to engage constructively in normalising relations between them, with the aim of fully implementing all their respective obligations, emerging from the agreement on the road to normalisation of relations and implementation Anex, as well as all agreements from the past to the dialogue and engaging in negotiations on the comprehensive agreement for normalisation of relations”, she underlined.

On February 27th, 2023 in Brussels, Kosovo and Serbia had reached the Base Agreement, already on March 18th in Ohrid, reconciliation was reached for the Anex's implementation of the agreement.

Pisonero echoed the EU officials' continued statements that implementation of these agreements is essential on Kosovo and Serbia's road to the EU, since it describes them as obligation for both sides. / REL

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