The EC is striving to expedite the pre-financing payment for North Macedonia.

Brussels – The European Commission is working to expedite the distribution of pre-financing funds to North Macedonia as part of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, according to a spokesperson from the Commission, speaking to MIA.

The spokesperson confirmed that the Commission has received North Macedonia’s pre-financing request and is currently completing the necessary procedural steps to ensure the funds can be released as soon as possible in 2025.

They noted that North Macedonia submitted its Reform Agenda—which encompasses changes related to fundamental rights and socio-economic development—last July. The European Commission reviewed this agenda and found it aligned with the goals and requirements of the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance for the Western Balkans.

The Reform Agenda was officially approved on October 23, 2024, through a Commission Implementing Decision, after receiving a favorable opinion from member countries in the IPA III Committee. Countries can request up to seven percent of the approved funds in pre-financing to initiate the reforms. North Macedonia was among the five beneficiaries with approved Reform Agendas that made such requests, the spokesperson highlighted.

Furthermore, the Western Balkans Growth Plan outlines a strategy to align the economies of the region more closely with the European Union.

This plan entails six billion euros in investments, emphasizing a dual focus on both investments and reforms. This approach is designed to facilitate gradual access to the EU single market, allowing citizens in the Western Balkans to experience certain benefits of EU integration ahead of full membership, as explained by the European Commission spokesperson to MIA. (January 16)