Ivanović attends WB Leaders Meeting on the Growth Plan in Skopje: Accelerated reforms for a closer European perspective

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović participated today in a high-level meeting dedicated to the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

The meeting brought together high-level representatives from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, with the participation of EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. The event was hosted by Prime Minister of North Macedonia Hristijan Mickoski. Speaking on behalf of the European Commission, Commissioner Kos emphasized that the Growth Plan is already delivering tangible results, but called for faster and more ambitious implementation of reforms and investments across the region.

In his address, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović reaffirmed Montenegro’s full commitment to advancing the Reform Agenda and implementing measures that will accelerate EU integration, improve the business climate, and bring direct benefits to citizens and the economy.

He highlighted Montenegro’s strategic potential in energy, digital transformation, infrastructure, and tourism, and stressed the importance of regional connectivity through the Common Regional Market. He noted that Montenegro is making strong progress, including its recent accession to the SEPA payment system, which will enable cheaper and more efficient euro transactions. He also pointed to concrete initiatives in the fields of green transition and digital connectivity.

The discussion also addressed the current implementation of the EU Growth Plan, which is supported by €6 billion in funding for the 2024–2027 period, and foresees more than 600 reforms and strategic projects in the areas of economy, infrastructure, energy, and digital integration. Summit participants reiterated their strong political commitment to accelerating reforms and enhancing regional cooperation through the Common Regional Market.

Special attention was given to integration models enabling access to the EU single market ahead of full membership, providing countries in the region with concrete benefits from EU policies in the pre-accession phase.

Investment projects supported through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) were also discussed, particularly initiatives in clean energy in Montenegro, Albania, and Serbia. The total value of this investment package is €487 million, secured following the successful fulfillment of reform conditions outlined in earlier phases of the Reform Agendas.

At the conclusion of the summit, a joint declaration was adopted in which the leaders of the Western Balkans reaffirmed their political commitment to further implementing the Growth Plan, deepening regional cooperation, and intensifying the integration process into the EU single market. They emphasized the urgent need for the region’s swift accession to the European Union.

On the sidelines of the event, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović held a bilateral meeting with Minister of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia Nemanja Starović. The two officials exchanged views on their respective EU integration processes, communication strategies with EU member states, and the importance of fostering public support for EU membership—both within the region and across the European Union itself.