The European Commission has today made available 49 million euros for Albania, 44.2 million euros for Montenegro and 65.7 million euros for North Macedonia under the Reform and Growth Programme, otherwise known as the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
This follows the third payment request and the Commission's positive assessment of the reform steps implemented in the areas of business competitiveness and innovation in Albania and Montenegro, as well as education and digitalisation in North Macedonia, the Commission stated.
With today's publication, the total amount released under the Program under the respective envelopes reaches 212.8 million euros for Albania, 89.3 million euros for Montenegro and 142.1 million euros 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 active in the green and digital sectors.
Of the 49 million euros disbursed, 22.8 million euros will be transferred to the state budget, while the remaining funds are made available for investment projects through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), subject to the relevant approval procedures.
In Montenegro, the Commission praised reforms in the field of research and innovation, including support for scientists, businesses and research institutions, as well as further strengthening the national innovation ecosystem.
Of the 44.2 million euros disbursed, 20.6 million euros will be transferred to the state budget, while the remaining funds are made available for investment projects through the WBIF.
In North Macedonia, the reforms assessed include measures to improve the financing of primary and secondary education and measures aimed at expanding access to digital infrastructure and IT equipment in schools.
Of the 65.7 million euros disbursed, 30.6 million euros will be transferred to the state budget, while the remaining funds are made available for investment projects through the WBIF.
The funds allocated to the Western Balkans, once approved by the WBIF board, will support infrastructure projects in sustainable transport, clean energy, digital development and human capital. The projects will be implemented in close cooperation with Western Balkans partners and international financial institutions, the Commission stated.
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