Kosovo second-last in implementing the Growth Plan; delays in reforms could cost it funding

The implementation of reforms set out in the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is proceeding slowly in Kosovo. Failure to meet the obligations within the deadlines could also lead to the loss of funds allocated to the country.

Data published by WeBalkans show that the Western Balkan states have recorded varying levels of progress, while Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina rank at the bottom in terms of implementing the reforms.

Of the initial €882.6 million earmarked for Kosovo through the Growth Plan, the country has so far received €61.8 million.

The material, cited by KosovaPress, notes that after the European Commission approved the Reform Agenda, Kosovo began adopting new legislation, implementing institutional changes, digitizing the public administration and advancing public financial management. However, the progress of this process is considered slow.

A European Commission spokesperson, quoted in the WeBalkans publication, announced that only Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina have not yet submitted official reports on the implementation of the reforms.

“Only Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo have not yet formally reported on the implementation of the reforms,” the European Commission spokesperson said.

Brussels has clarified that the disbursement of funds is linked to fulfilling the agreed reforms, meaning that the countries of the region must meet their obligations within the established deadlines.

Reflecting the European Commission’s position, the material states that “Payments are conditional on the completion of the reform steps.”

When delays occur, states are given an additional period to fulfill the conditions. But if the obligations are not met even during this additional period, the respective funds risk being lost.

The European Commission has warned, according to WeBalkans, that “If the conditions are not met within the additional period, the respective amount may be lost and reallocated to other beneficiaries in subsequent years.”

Projects financed through the Growth Plan must be completed by the end of 2027. The European Commission has made clear that no postponement or extension of this deadline is planned.

The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans aims to bring the region’s states closer economically to the European Union. This is expected to be achieved through gradual integration into the European single market, stronger regional economic cooperation and the acceleration of fundamental reforms.

Access to funds from the Reform and Growth Facility is directly conditional on implementing the steps set out in each country’s reform agenda.