Growth Plan Summit in Skopje reviews reforms and announces investments
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and leaders from the Western Balkans met in Skopje on 30 June and 1 July 2025 for the Growth Plan Summit. They took stock of the Western Balkan partners’ reform progress and reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of the EU’s comprehensive Growth Plan, designed to stimulate economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and promote social development in the region, all while accelerating the Western Balkans’ integration into the EU’s single market.
Commissioner Kos highlighted the European Union’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Western Balkans on their path toward deeper integration with the EU’s single market: "The Growth Plan is the Western Balkan’s accelerator into the European family – it is an essential element to speed up and deepen integration with the EU. In just 20 months, we have moved from ideas to results — and we continue to expand our cooperation. In a world that is fragmenting, enlargement remains our project of unification – I invite partners to grasp this window of opportunity and double down on reform efforts. For my part, I will do whatever I can to help partners reach milestones as quickly as possible. So that people and businesses in the region have the full benefits of the Growth Plan already before accession."
WBIF’s role in implementing the Reform and Growth Facility
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) plays a crucial role in translating the ambitions of the Growth Plan into tangible outcomes through the implementation of the Reform and Growth Facility. Financial support under the Facility can only be disbursed upon the successful implementation of reforms by the beneficiaries set in their respective national Reform Agendas. At least 50% of the total amount (grants and loans) goes to investments through the WBIF. The WBIF’s involvement ensures that these investments are well-prepared and funded through the adequate mobilisation of funds as well as aligned with the strategic EU objectives of regional socio-economic sustainable development and integration as well as overall EU accession process.
New investments in clean energy
A significant highlight of the summit was the announcement of new investments in clean energy, totalling up to €487 million. These investments, proposed by the Commission to the WBIF Operational Board, include:
- Electricity infrastructure: Construction of overhead lines and substations in Albania and Montenegro.
- Hydropower rehabilitation: Upgrading hydropower plants in Albania and Serbia.
- Solar heating: Integration of renewable energy into the Novi Sad district heating system in Serbia.
These projects are to be rolled out in close cooperation with Western Balkan partners and international financial institutions through the WBIF, marking a substantial step towards sustainable energy in the region.
As the summit concluded, participants expressed optimism about the future of the Western Balkans, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration and sustained efforts to deliver on the Growth Plan.
More about the Growth Plan can be found here
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About WBIF and Global Gateway
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) contributes directly to Global Gateway, the EU’s strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport, while strengthening health, education and research systems worldwide. Global Gateway aims to mobilise up to €300 billion worldwide in investments through a Team Europe approach, bringing together the EU, its Member States and financial institutions to leverage investments for a transformational impact.