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Albania has received €64.5 million in pre-financing under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans! This first payment supports Albania’s reforms and investments to strengthen the country and bring it closer to the EU. The news was confirmed by the EU Embassy in our country through a post on the social network “X”.
EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato has congratulated Albania on what he called an important moment in its EU membership journey.
"Congratulations to Albania on reaching another important milestone on its EU membership journey. The Growth Plan boosts the economy, strengthens the rule of law, supports a greener Albania and empowers human capital. The EU stands with Albania on its path to membership," Gonzato writes.
With this pre-financing, Albania received 30 million euros in concessional loans for the state budget, to support the implementation of reforms. The remaining pre-financing of 34.5 million euros, in grants and concessional loans, will be injected directly into the WBIF (Western Balkans Investment Framework) for infrastructure investments in Albania.
"We consider this as a clear sign of confidence from the EU in Albania's reform path and sustainable progress towards membership in the European family. We fully embrace the magnitude of this historic opportunity, as well as the commitments ahead, and are energetically motivated and prepared to continue reforming and diligently fulfilling the criteria for Albania's membership in the European Union," said Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka.
Until 2027, Albania has the opportunity to receive up to 922.1 million euros in total from the Reform and Growth Fund for the Western Balkans, in exchange for reforms in the rule of law and fundamental rights, renewable energy, digital economy, human capital and private sector development.
Future disbursements under the Facility will be made upon completion of the reform steps agreed between the Commission and the Albanian Government in the Reform Agenda. As Albania progresses in implementing the Reform Agenda, the EU will unblock the disbursements.
The Western Balkans Growth Plan provides a roadmap to bring the Western Balkan economies closer to the European Union. It also facilitates gradual access to the single market, allowing citizens in the Western Balkans to reap some early benefits from EU integration, and supports further regional economic integration.
The Growth Plan provides €6 billion in additional financial assistance to support socio-economic and fundamental reforms and related investments. Disbursements are conditional on the achievement of reforms specified in the Reform Agendas prepared by each beneficiary.
The European Commission is currently working on the assessment of the first set of reform steps. The completion of these steps will entitle Albania to receive the corresponding disbursement under the Facility.
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