Today, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović attended a high-level meeting focused on the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

This meeting gathered key representatives from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos also in attendance. The event was hosted by Prime Minister of North Macedonia Hristijan Mickoski. Commissioner Kos, representing the European Commission, highlighted that the Growth Plan is yielding concrete outcomes, while urging for swifter and bolder implementation of reforms and investments throughout the region.

In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović reaffirmed Montenegro’s unwavering dedication to advancing the Reform Agenda and executing measures aimed at expediting EU integration, enhancing the business environment, and delivering direct advantages to citizens and the economy.

He pointed out Montenegro’s strategic capabilities in sectors like energy, digital transformation, infrastructure, and tourism, stressing the significance of regional connectivity via the Common Regional Market. He noted Montenegro’s significant advancements, such as joining the SEPA payment system, facilitating cheaper and more efficient euro transactions. He also highlighted specific initiatives in green transition and digital connectivity.

The conversation also touched upon the current implementation stage of the EU Growth Plan, backed by €6 billion in funding for the 2024–2027 period, anticipating over 600 reforms and strategic projects in economy, infrastructure, energy, and digital integration. Summit participants reiterated their strong political will to hasten reforms and bolster regional cooperation through the Common Regional Market.

Special emphasis was placed on integration models that allow access to the EU single market prior to full membership, providing regional countries concrete benefits from EU policies during the pre-accession phase.

Investment projects under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) were discussed, particularly initiatives focusing on clean energy in Montenegro, Albania, and Serbia. This investment package totals €487 million, secured after successfully meeting reform conditions established in previous Reform Agenda phases.

At the summit’s conclusion, a joint declaration was adopted in which the Western Balkans leaders reiterated their political commitment to further implement the Growth Plan, enhance regional cooperation, and expedite the integration process into the EU single market. They underscored the urgent need for the region’s rapid accession to the European Union.

On the sidelines of the event, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović engaged in a bilateral meeting with the Minister of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia, Nemanja Starović. The two officials exchanged perspectives on their respective EU integration journeys, communication strategies with EU member states, and the importance of building public support for EU membership—both within the region and across the broader European Union.