The European Commission recently released €158.9 million for three Western Balkan nations under its Reform and Growth Facility. Albania receives €49 million, Montenegro €44.2 million, and North Macedonia €65.7 million. This financial injection follows a positive assessment by the Commission of the progress these countries have made in specific reform areas.
What reforms is the EU funding in Albania and Montenegro?
In Albania, the assessed reforms aim to improve the business environment, facilitate investment and innovation, and expand access to finance, particularly for startups and companies in the green and digital sectors. Of the €49 million, €22.8 million will go to the state budget, with the remainder earmarked for investment projects via the Western Balkans Investment Framework.
Montenegro has focused its reforms on research and innovation, including support for scientists, companies, and research institutions, as well as strengthening its innovation ecosystem. Of the €44.2 million, €20.6 million will be transferred to the state budget, with the balance allocated to investment projects through the same framework.
Improving North Macedonia’s digital education for students
For North Macedonia, the assessed measures concern improving the financing of primary and secondary education and expanding access to digital infrastructure and IT equipment in schools. The €65.7 million is divided: €30.6 million for the state budget and the rest for investment projects via the Western Balkans Investment Framework. Funds from this framework are intended to support infrastructure projects in areas such as sustainable transport, clean energy, digital development, and 'human capital' - representing investments in people’s skills and education - once the projects are approved by the framework’s board.
The overall funding made available under the Reform and Growth Facility is a key component of the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which has a total envelope of €6 billion. Every day, let’s make Brussels more beautiful!
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- Original article: https://www.brusselstimes.com/2142472/eu-funnels-e158-9m-to-albania-montenegro-north-macedonia-under-growth-plan
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