EC spokeswoman: Kosovo, Serbia risk losing opportunities from Development Plan if they make progress in dialogue

European Commission spokeswoman Ana Pisonero has said they are waiting to finalise reform agendas from the six Western Balkan countries to proceed with the EU Growth Plan for the region.

We are waiting on all partners to finalise reform agendas. As you know, their reform agendas include socioeconomic fields. And, of course, when we get these reform agendas, we can appreciate and approve, no doubt after consulting with member states. So this is still hosting Western Balkan partners”, she said at today's media conference.

Meanwhile, in the case of Kosovo and Serbia, she said that for these states, the precondition is set that relates to their progress on the road to normalisation of reports, until she warned of countries that they risk losing many opportunities if the required progress is lacking, reports The Express.

“When it comes to Kosovo and Serbia is a precondition to co-operate in a constructive way in the framework of dialogue commitments, and of course this is one thing that will be monitored and we are waiting on the sides to send their reform agendas. Both sides risk losing significant opportunities in lack of progress”.

In May of this year, the EU Council has adopted the Growth Plan for Western Balkan Countries, which aims to support EU-related reforms and economic growth in the region.

This plan envisions 6 billion euros for serious economic and structural reforms, through which Western Balkan countries can mark greater progress in the European integration process.

Out of 6 billion euros, 2 billion will be provided as noncompetitive grants and 4 billion in favourable loans.

Unlike the other four Western Balkan countries, Kosovo and Serbia are conditioned with progress in the dialogue process for normalisation of relations.