The European Union will redirect part of the funds from the Fund for Reforms and Growth for the Western Balkans to countries that implement reforms the fastest, while countries that are late in fulfilling their obligations will be left without part of the planned money, Euronews learned from EU officials.
The European Commission established this instrument in 2024 to financially support candidate countries that are implementing reforms necessary for EU membership. The program worth six billion euros covers the period from 2024 to 2027, with the aim of accelerating the economic development of the region.
About 673 million euros have been paid out so far, and almost all of the money ended up in Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia, which are at the forefront of the European integration process thanks to progress in reforms.
On the other hand, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia lag behind. According to the rules of the fund, the funds are paid out only after the agreed reform steps have been met, and if the deadlines are missed, the European Commission can suspend the payment and redirect the money to other beneficiaries.
The end of June was the first key deadline for assessing fulfilled obligations. The European Commission will now carry out a detailed analysis of the progress of all countries, after which the unused funds will be distributed to those that achieve the best results.
The biggest loser could be Bosnia and Herzegovina, which so far has not received any payments from this fund because it has not implemented the necessary reforms, mostly due to the complex institutional system. Kosovo and Serbia will also find themselves in a less favorable position.
Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos warned the countries of the Western Balkans back in April to speed up the reform process or risk losing European funds.
The European Commission says that it is not about confiscating money, but about the principle according to which the funds are paid out exclusively for implemented reforms.
“Reforms must remain a priority in order for countries to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans,” the European Commission said. Vijesti.ba
