EU Growth Plan Funding Gaps Hold Back Western Balkans' EU Accession

The European Union's €6 billion Growth Plan, launched in 2023 to accelerate accession for the Western Balkans, ties payments to economic, institutional and rule‑of‑law reforms. After more than a year only Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia have received multiple reform‑linked disbursements.

Serbia obtained a single payment in January, while Kosovo received a pre‑financing advance of €61.8 million in April but its progress stalled amid an 18‑month political crisis. Kosovo risks losing over €40 million that was due by the end of June and up to €250 million by year‑end if reforms are not met. Bosnia and Herzegovina has not secured any funds, having already forfeited €108 million and facing potential losses exceeding €370 million by the end of the year.

EU officials warned that delays will continue to cost money. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kosová called the plan an “accelerator on the road to the European family.” European Parliament rapporteur Riho Terras said Kosovo cannot advance while its political crisis persists. Foreign‑policy chief Kaja Kallas cautioned Sarajevo that further postponements will mean further financial losses. Analyst Marko Todorović noted the plan has not lived up to its promise of socio‑economic convergence.