Skopje, 23 January 2024 (MIA) - Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj expects the first disbursement of funds from the European Union's Growth Plan for the Western Balkan countries by the end of April or early May.

Until then, he expects everything to be completed - the alignment of our three-year reform plan that we are tasked to implement, as well as the approval of the Growth Plan in the European Council.

Asked about our progress with the three-year plan for the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the specific focus on reforms and projects, Marichikj explained that the first version was approved during a government session on December 6, 2023 and promptly submitted as the initial version.

"Of course, it is being discussed in Brussels, with some indications and notes. However, the main focus is on a set of measures related to reforms in public administration, judiciary reforms, especially centered on strengthening the role of the Judicial Council, and reinforcing the electoral process and dismissal of judges. There is also a series of measures related to fiscal stability and financial transparency, with the ultimate aim of completing all these tasks by the year 2027," Marichikj told reporters following the kick-off of the annual conference 'Year of European Opportunities.'

As he highlighted, the measures are based on the 2023 EC Progress Report, along with the screening reports that are currently finalized for the first cluster.

"The plan brings no surprises. During discussions with the EC officials, our goal was for it to be both realistic and achievable, avoiding excessive ambition and ease of accomplishment, but being sufficiently ambitious and realistically attainable. Once we get the green light that it is approved by the member states and that the package is fully endorsed in the Growth Plan by the EU member states, we will start its implementation. All deadlines will be coordinated with Director Koopman," Marichikj noted.

According to Marichikj, there are no significant remarks, as it is made in line with the European Commission.

"The remarks are more technical, focusing on priorities and discussing the timeframe within which they need to be fulfilled. There are no significant comments on the tasks, as the plan is developed in collaboration with colleagues from the European Commission based on their reports," Marichikj said.

In regard to approval in the European Council, Marichikj mentioned that the adoption process is complex.

"Thus, it's not just a decision of the European Council. It also entails a decision from the European Parliament, where we are collaborating with other member states. Two Croatian MEPs, Mr. Picula and another from the HDZ, are the rapporteurs for the Growth Plan, and I hope that they will soon present their resolution supporting the development plan in the European Parliament. So, it needs to be adopted by the European Parliament, a financial agreement needs to be reached, which will be signed and ratified, and then we can consider that the implementation can begin," Marichikj noted.

“I am expecting that everything will be completed no later than March,” Marichikj added.

Photo: MIA