EC approves reform agendas of Serbia, other W Balkan partners

BRUSSELS - The European Commission on Wednesday approved the reform agendas of five Western Balkan partners including Serbia, paving the way for disbursement of funds from a 6 bln euro Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans.

"Today, the Commission approved the Reform Agendas of Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia following the EU Member States' positive opinion. In their ambitious Reform Agendas, the five Western Balkans governments commit to socio-economic and fundamental reforms they will undertake to spur growth and convergence with the EU under the Growth Plan during the period of 2024-2027.

This step was key to allow payments under the EU's 6 bln euro Reform and Growth Facility, that will be made upon completion of agreed reform steps," the European Commission said in a statement.

"I'm impressed by the work of our Western Balkan partners on their Reform Agendas. It shows that they are committed to the success of the Growth Plan. It's our roadmap to bring the economies of the Western Balkans closer to ours. And to give their companies the access and the means to compete on our Single Market. Everyone benefits, and it's a big leap forward towards the European Union," EC President Ursula von der Leyen was quoted as saying.