The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans offers an opportunity for accelerated economic development of the region’s countries and the achievement of the standards and quality of life enjoyed by EU states and citizens. This mechanism, along with other EU instruments, will help intensify reform processes and speed up accession to the European Union. With united efforts and the support of the European Commission, the region’s countries will continue to work towards fulfilling the set goals that lead to the transformation of societies and their readiness for EU membership. This was the message from the ministerial meeting on the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans held in Kotor.
The meeting was attended by Gert Jan Kopman, Director-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations, as well as ministers of European affairs and finance from the region.
Opening the meeting, Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević said that the Growth Plan is no longer just a well-conceived initiative but has formally and legally come to life, which is welcomed across the region.
“We are aware that if we want to benefit from this instrument, we must show a clear commitment to implementing key reforms, with the EU’s readiness to help us in key areas and increase project funding, which will be the best incentive for accelerating growth. I am confident that, if implemented with the same ambitious spirit, these reform agendas will transform Western Balkan societies in a truly European way, simultaneously creating conditions for increased growth,” Gorčević stated.
She emphasized that the Growth Plan focuses on people and that all reforms are aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens in a long-term and sustainable way. Gorčević highlighted the importance of continued EU assistance in infrastructure development, which she said should be extended and expanded within the Western Balkans Reform and Growth Fund.
“Montenegro intends to accelerate the development of key transport and energy infrastructure in the short and medium term, which will positively impact the growth rate. Our Government has made a decision on the list of priority infrastructure projects that could be financed under the Growth Plan, with the first priority being 44 infrastructure projects in the education sector at all levels. I am sure that this decision will contribute to improving conditions in the education system, as this is the best possible investment in the future of young people,” the Minister stated.
During the meeting, ministers of European affairs and finance of the Western Balkan countries exchanged views on joint actions, coordinated policies, and initiatives aimed at ensuring the success of the Growth Plan’s implementation and the overall EU accession process. In this context, they discussed access to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), improving trade and transport facilitation between the Western Balkan countries and EU member states, the Digital Innovation Hub, the Digital Identity Wallet Application, and the Critical Medicines Alliance – improving the supply of critical medicines.
Serbia’s Minister for European Integration Tanja Miščević expressed gratitude to the European Union for recognizing the importance of the Growth Plan and the allocated funds, emphasizing that the financial aspect is less important compared to the acceleration of European integration.
“We have deeply engaged in exchanging ideas on how to initiate socio-economic development, and I did not expect us to achieve such a high level of understanding. The Western Balkans are moving in the right direction,” Miščević said.
Albania’s State Minister and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka congratulated the Western Balkan countries on the swift adoption of regulations, highlighting it as a sign of new momentum.
“It is important to start demonstrating the benefits of this process to citizens and businesses so that support for European integration increases. We want words on paper to turn into action. Therefore, we need synergy at the national, regional, and EU levels,” Dhuka said.
North Macedonia’s Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Bojan Maričić emphasized the high level of enthusiasm and commitment to reforms, expressing surprise at how much could be accomplished in such a short time.
“The Growth Plan will not be just another beautiful idea; we will see real benefits, and citizens will feel the advantages even before formal EU membership. We have shown regional synergy, a high level of understanding, and willingness. We have confirmed that we are truly One Region with a shared vision,” Maričić said.
Albania’s Minister of Finance Ervin Mete stated that real progress is visible and that the region’s countries are working on adopting regulations and moving closer to the Single European Market.
“I am pleased that the Growth Plan has connected us in this way and that our citizens will see tangible benefits,” Mete said.
The meeting was also attended by North Macedonia’s Deputy Minister of Finance Filip Nikoloski, Kosovo’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Labor, and Transfers Avni Zogiani, North Macedonia’s State Secretary in the Secretariat for European Affairs Drita Abdiu Halili, and advisor to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Minister of Finance and Treasury Željko Janjetović.
In addition to ministers of European affairs and finance from the region, representatives from the Secretariat of the Central European Free Trade Agreement, the Transport Community, the Energy Community, the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, the Western Balkans Chamber Investment Forum, GIZ, and the Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA) participated in the meeting.
