Five areas for which IPA III provides financial support

The preparation of new IPA III programmes for the 2021–2027 period will be based, in accordance with the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, on providing financial support for five policy areas:

1.    Rule of law, fundamental rights and democracy

2.    Good governance, alignment with the acquis, strategic communication and good neighbourly relations

3.    Green agenda and sustainable connectivity

4.    Competitiveness and inclusive growth

5.    Territorial and cross-border cooperation

Within each of the five areas, thematic priorities have been defined. Thematic Priority 1: Education, employment, social protection and inclusive policy, and health is defined within the area of Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth.

The operationalization of financial support is based on the signing of a Financial Agreement between the Commission and the IPA beneficiary country on an annual or multi-annual basis.