The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have finalised a deal to provide an additional six billion euros in aid and loans to six countries in the Western Balkans, aiding their progress towards EU membership.
Last year, the European Commission unveiled the Western Balkans Reform and Growth Instrument for the period 2024 to 2027, allocating two billion euros in grants and four billion euros in loans with favourable terms.
After five months, European bodies agreed on this initiative, designed to offer further encouragement to the Western Balkan nations on their path to joining the Union.
The release of these funds will be contingent on the implementation of the required reforms.
“A growth plan worth six billion euros for the six nations represents a significant political motivation towards the enlargement process and hastening structural and institutional reforms, including compliance with the EU’s foreign and security policy, and visa regulations. Following the historic start of accession talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina, this initiative is yet another crucial step in drawing the Western Balkan countries nearer to the European Union,” was stated in Brussels.
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, expressed on X that expansion is the EU’s most potent geopolitical strategy.
“We’re committing six billion euros to support reforms and gradual integration into the single market before joining the EU,” Metsola remarked.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić thanked for the support, saying, “Fantastic news from Brussels: The growth plan for Serbia and the Western Balkans has been ratified and is now a reality. My thanks to Oliver Varhelyi, Ursula von der Leyen, and the European Commission for their tremendous effort and backing,” Vučić shared on Instagram.