The European Commission has today made available €49 million for Albania, €44.2 million for Montenegro, and €65.7 million for North Macedonia under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans.
According to the official website of the European Commission, this follows the third payment request and the Commission’s positive assessment of reform steps implemented in the areas of business competitiveness and innovation in Albania and Montenegro, as well as education and digitalization in North Macedonia.
The total amount disbursed under the Instrument, in line with the respective packages, now reaches €212.8 million for Albania, €89.3 million for Montenegro, and €142.1 million for North Macedonia.
“In Albania, the reforms assessed by the Commission include measures to improve the business environment, facilitate investment and innovation, and expand access to finance, including for start-ups and companies operating in the green and digital sectors. Of the €49 million disbursed, €22.8 million will be transferred to the state budget, while the remaining funds will be made available for investment projects through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), subject to the relevant approval procedures.
In Montenegro, the Commission assessed reforms in the field of research and innovation, including support for scientists, businesses, and research institutions, as well as the further strengthening of the national innovation ecosystem. Of the €44.2 million disbursed, €20.6 million will be transferred to the state budget, while the remaining funds will be made available for investment projects through the WBIF.
In North Macedonia, the assessed reforms include measures to improve the financing of primary and secondary education, as well as actions aimed at expanding access to digital infrastructure and IT equipment in schools. Of the €65.7 million disbursed, €30.6 million will be transferred to the state budget, while the remaining funds will be made available for investment projects through the WBIF,” the European Commission said in a statement.
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