The funds of the European Union for the economic growth of the Western Balkans can only be utilized if the conditions are respected, and in case of their unlawful use, countries will be obliged to return them.
This was stated by the Director-General of the EU for Negotiations and Neighborhood, Gert Jan Koopman, during a discussion held on Wednesday in the European Commission for Foreign Affairs and Budget.
He said that payments from the Economic Growth Plan will only be made once there is evidence that necessary reforms have been undertaken. Of the six countries in the region, it is required to have an action plan for reforms, and their fulfillment will be assessed twice a year.
Speaking about the conditions, he particularly mentioned the rule of law, respect for human rights, and adherence to democratic values.
Koopman mentioned that Kosovo and Serbia will have specific conditions related to their relations.
“Specific conditions will be for Kosovo and Serbia to engage constructively in the normalization of relations. This will be done individually for each of these two countries. In other words, if one country does not progress, the other will not be hindered if it advances in reforms”.
According to the European Commission, half of the funds from the Growth Plan in the Western Balkans region will go within the framework for investments because the existing funds available are not sufficient to carry out the necessary investments.
The other part will go directly to the budgets of the countries to finance some of the necessary reforms.
Koopman has shown that the model will be simplified to adapt to the Western Balkans but also respecting the rules of the EU.
The European Commission believes that this plan – from which specific funds will be allocated for each country – will significantly change the Western Balkans region and will be a generator for considerable economic growth.
“Without significant economic growth, the Western Balkans region will not be able to progress in achieving the goals of integration into the EU,” said the EU official.
The high-ranking official of the European Commission explained that a portion of the financial funds will be given to the region as non-repayable assistance, and a part will be in the form of favorable loans.
He said that these loans are necessary because the countries in the region do not have the ability to secure loans with favorable conditions in the international market.
Some deputies have requested that small and medium-sized enterprises, non-governmental organizations, and not only, benefit from these funds, and that they be used to strengthen political structures.
Among other things, it has been requested that funds be directed towards addressing demographic challenges and preventing the migration of young people.
