Brussels – North Macedonia stands out as a leader in the European Commission’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, demonstrating effective implementation and being the first to receive pre-financing assistance, stated European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos in an interview with the European News Agency (ENA), which is affiliated with MIA.
She noted that North Macedonia has been allocated 715 million euros as part of the total six billion euros earmarked for the Growth Plan. This includes pre-financing of 52 million euros, a portion of which is directed into the state budget while the remainder is funneled through the Instrument for Reforms and Growth in the Western Balkans.
– North Macedonia is indeed on the right trajectory, Kos reassured.
The Commissioner highlighted that one-third of the funds from the Growth Plan are categorized as grants, whereas two-thirds are loans. These resources are designated for implementing reforms outlined in each country’s reform agenda. The bulk of funding is allocated for initiatives related to the rule of law, business development, digitalization, transportation, energy, and skill development.
She pointed out that the upcoming phase will be significant, as future disbursements will be contingent on reports regarding the progress of implemented reforms.
– If the agreed-upon outcomes are not met within a specific timeframe, there may be opportunities to extend the deadline for reform implementation. However, in the worst-case scenario—though we hope to avoid this—payments may not be made, and those funds could potentially be allocated to other countries, Kos added.
Additionally, she mentioned that the Summit for the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, initially scheduled for last month in Skopje, was postponed due to the tragedy in Kochani. It is now likely to be rescheduled for June, and Kos confirmed that she plans to visit the country at that time. (April 16, 2025)
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