The European Commission granted Albania €49 million under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
The Commission also approved €44.2 million for Montenegro and €65.7 million for North Macedonia through the Reform and Growth Facility.
The European Union Delegation to Albania said the funding follows the third payment request and the Commission’s positive assessment of reform progress. Albania and Montenegro advanced reforms in business competitiveness and innovation, while North Macedonia focused on education and digitalization.
In Albania, the reforms include measures to improve the business climate, support investment and innovation, and expand access to finance for startups and companies in green and digital sectors.
Of the €49 million allocated to Albania, €22.8 million will go directly to the state budget. The remaining funds will support investment projects through the Western Balkans Investment Framework.
The WBIF will finance projects in sustainable transport, clean energy, digital development and human capital. International financial institutions and Western Balkan partners will implement the projects together.
The EU adopted the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans in 2023. The initiative aims to bring EU membership benefits to the region before full accession. It also supports economic integration, regional cooperation and EU-related reforms.
The plan is backed by a €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility. Since 2024, total financing under the instrument has reached €673.6 million.
Marta Kos said the Growth Plan is bringing real change across the Western Balkans by supporting businesses, innovation and modern education infrastructure.
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