Growth Plan Summit in Skopje takes stock of reforms, announces new investments

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and leaders from the Western Balkans met in Skopje on 30 June and 1 July 2025 for the Growth Plan Summit. They took stock of the Western Balkan partners’ reform progress and reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of the EU’s comprehensive Growth Plan, designed to stimulate economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and promote social development in the region, all while accelerating the Western Balkans’ integration into the EU’s single market.

Commissioner Kos highlighted the European Union’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Western Balkans on their path toward deeper integration with the EU’s single market: "The Growth Plan is the Western Balkan’s accelerator into the European family – it is an essential element to speed up and deepen integration with the EU. In just 20 months, we have moved from ideas to results — and we continue to expand our cooperation. In a world that is fragmenting, enlargement remains our project of unification – I invite partners to grasp this window of opportunity and double down on reform efforts. For my part, I will do whatever I can to help partners reach milestones as quickly as possible. So that people and businesses in the region have the full benefits of the Growth Plan already before accession."

WBIF’s role in implementing the Reform and Growth Facility

The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) plays a crucial role in translating the ambitions of the Growth Plan into tangible outcomes. By leveraging its extensive experience and financial instruments, the WBIF is poised to facilitate the implementation of the Reform and Growth Facility, the Growth Plan’s financing instrument. This includes mobilising funds, providing technical assistance, and fostering partnerships that are essential for the successful execution of the measures outlined in the Growth Plans. The WBIF’s involvement ensures that the initiatives are not only well-funded but also aligned with the broader strategic objectives of regional development and EU integration.

New investments in clean energy

A significant highlight of the summit was the announcement of new investments in clean energy, totalling up to €487 million. These investments, proposed by the Commission to the WBIF Operational Board, include:

- Electricity infrastructure: Construction of overhead lines and substations in Albania and Montenegro.

- Hydropower rehabilitation: Upgrading hydropower plants in Albania and Serbia.

- Solar heating: Integration of renewable energy into the Novi Sad District Heating System in Serbia.

These projects are to be rolled out in close cooperation with Western Balkan partners and international financial institutions through the WBIF, marking a substantial step towards sustainable energy in the region.

As the summit concluded, participants expressed optimism about the future of the Western Balkans, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration and sustained efforts to deliver on the Growth Plan.

More about the Growth Plan can be found here