Skopje, 31 October 2023 (MIA) – The President of the Fiscal Council, Gligor Bishev, said he expects the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans to have a positive effect on the country’s economy, but said the Council would comment further once it is constituted.

“I think we should leave this for the coming period. We will comment on the plan when we can look into the parameters on how it could affect the economic growth. Of course, it will have a positive effect. Big sums are being mentioned, and especially the aspect related to the transition of the economy towards a more competitive, greener and a more dynamic one,” said Bishev in answer to a journalist’s question.

The EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans will include EUR 2 billion in grants and an additional EUR 4 billion in loans for strategic projects meant to improve the life of the citizens, the work of the companies and infrastructural connectivity between the Western Balkan countries. The Plan aims to double the economy of the region in the coming decade. North Macedonia’s economy is currently equal to 42 percent of the average income in the EU.

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