Brussels, 17 February 2025 (MIA) - First regular payments under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans are expected between Q2 and Q3 in 2025 upon the fulfilment of related conditions, a European Commission spokesperson has told MIA.

According to the EC, to kick-start reforms, countries can request up to 7% in pre-financing of the total amount foreseen under this Facility from the initial indicative amount of financing available for each beneficiary.

"All five beneficiaries with approved Reform Agendas requested it, except Bosnia and Herzegovina that has not submitted it Reform Agenda yet. The Commission is now finalizing the procedural steps, which should allow the release of the pre-financing to take place as soon as possible in 2025. First regular payments are expected between Q2 and Q3 in 2025 upon the fulfillment of related conditions," says the EC spokesperson.

Regional media outlets reported over the weekend that the first payments will not be made in the first half of 2025, as previously announced. According to the reports, the delay is caused by the fact that countries in the region should first conclude loan agreements with the EU, since a portion of the funds are in the form of loans and another as grants, and therefore they have the effect of an international agreement that needs to be ratified by the parliament of the respective country.

The total amount of the EU support for the Western Balkans within the Reform and Growth Facility amounts to EUR 6 billion, of which EUR 750 million are available to North Macedonia in period 2024-2027.

MIA file photo