Following the ratification by the Kosovo Assembly of agreements related to the EU Growth Plan and the submission of the required documentation by the government, the European Commission has initiated the disbursement of €61.8 million in pre-financing for Kosovo through the Reform and Growth Instrument under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, providing a significant boost to the advancement of reforms.
The pre-financing represents 7% of the total €882.6 million in grants and concessional loans available to Kosovo under the Growth Plan until the end of 2027. These funds will support the implementation of Kosovo’s Reform Agenda and key infrastructure projects backed by the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), bringing Kosovo closer to the EU.
Of the €61.8 million, €28.74 million in loans have been transferred today to Kosovo’s budget, while the remaining €33.04 million (€17.73 million in grants and €15.31 million in loans) will be channeled through the WBIF.
Under its Reform Agenda, which serves as the basis for funding allocation under the EU Growth Plan, Kosovo has committed to implementing 111 reform steps, covering key areas such as the rule of law, governance, economic development, the green and digital transition, and human capital.
Each reform step is linked to a specific financial allocation. Payments under the Growth Plan will be made progressively as Kosovo implements the agreed reforms. If certain reform steps are not completed within the set deadlines, the corresponding funds will not be disbursed.
The first milestone includes 13 reform steps worth €90.8 million, expected by June 30, 2026. Additionally, by the end of this year, a further 27 reform steps worth €165.9 million are due.
“The European Union stands alongside Kosovo on its path toward EU integration. The Growth Plan offers concrete opportunities to accelerate EU-related reforms and to further align Kosovo’s economy with the EU single market. Through this support, the EU aims to help Kosovo strengthen the rule of law, advance the green and digital transition, and promote sustainable economic growth,” said Acting Head of the EU Office in Kosovo, Eva Palatova.
“Kosovo is committed to the timely implementation of the Reform Agenda and to fully utilizing the opportunities offered by the Growth Plan. Some time has been lost, but we will do everything possible to accelerate reforms and meet our commitments. This is a difficult task, but achievable,” said Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
The EU remains Kosovo’s largest provider of financial assistance and its most reliable partner, with more than €3.7 billion in grants invested across sectors since 1999, along with an additional €421 million in IPA (Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance) grants currently available.
Through the Growth Plan, the EU continues to support Kosovo’s reform efforts and its progress toward European integration.
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