IMF report highlights EU accession benefits for Western Balkans

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a new report, ‘Bridging Borders: Maximizing the Benefits of EU Accession’, highlighting the economic potential for Western Balkan and Moldovan candidate countries. According to the report, GDP per capita in these regions could increase by approximately one-third within a decade if specific conditions are met, including domestic structural reforms, deeper integration into the single market, and efficient use of EU funds.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated in Brussels that EU enlargement serves as a ‘convergence engine’ that benefits both new and existing members. To support this process, the IMF is launching the South East Europe Technical Assistance Centre (SEETAC) in Rome. Supported by Italy, the European Commission, Greece, and Luxembourg, the center will provide capacity development and technical assistance to countries in the Western Balkans and Moldova, complementing existing IMF training centers in Vienna and Ukraine.

While candidate countries show significant potential for growth, the IMF noted that they currently exhibit substantial income disparities compared to existing EU members. Achieving prosperity will require driving productivity through stronger institutions, improved governance, and a more dynamic private sector.