The European Union has issued a serious and unprecedented warning regarding the progress of Western Balkan states under the EU Growth Plan—an ambitious €6 billion instrument designed to accelerate the region’s path toward EU integration. For Albanians and Kosovo alike, this moment is critical, as the pace of reforms directly affects political stability, economic development, and future EU membership prospects.
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| Marta Kos while speaking |
Albania and Montenegro: The Region’s Best Performers
According to Commissioner Kos, Albania and Montenegro currently stand as the two best-performing Western Balkan countries, having implemented approximately 50% of the agreed reforms outlined in the EU Growth Plan. This performance reinforces Albania’s increasing credibility in the eyes of Brussels and strengthens its negotiating position as accession talks continue.
For Albanians, this progress represents a crucial step toward deeper integration with the European Union—an aspiration widely supported socially, politically, and economically.
Kosovo and Bosnia: Critical Delays and Institutional Gaps
In sharp contrast, two countries have failed to start or effectively implement key reforms:
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Kosovo, due to the ongoing institutional vacuum
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Bosnia and Herzegovina, due to internal political fragmentation
Commissioner Kos emphasized that despite two years passing since the launch of the Growth Plan—half of the full four-year cycle—these states remain stalled.
Kosovo's challenges stem from its inability to form a new government following the elections of February 9th. This deadlock has prevented the ratification of crucial international agreements in parliament. Without these ratifications, Kosovo remains blocked from accessing the Growth Plan funds, which could have substantially strengthened its economy.
For the Albanian-speaking region, this development is particularly concerning. Kosovo is supposed to benefit around €900 million, making it the single largest per-capita beneficiary of the plan. If reforms are delayed further, Kosovo risks missing out on these funds during a pivotal moment for its economic and political future.
EU’s Gradual Removal of Sanctions Against Kosovo
Another key element highlighted in the EU’s Progress Report is the ongoing reduction of the restrictive measures imposed on Kosovo in 2023. These sanctions were introduced after escalating tensions in the Serb-majority north. Although the EU has acknowledged improvements, the unresolved political climate continues to undermine Kosovo’s progress.
The EU report openly states that Kosovo has not ratified essential agreements due to political gridlock. This situation not only limits access to EU funds but also affects regional coordination—an important prerequisite for EU membership.
The “Midpoint” of the Growth Plan: A Make-Or-Break Moment
As Commissioner Kos explained, this moment marks the exact midpoint of the four-year Growth Plan. The first half has ended, and the second half is beginning—a strategic window for reflection and correction.
With Albania and Montenegro on track, and Serbia, North Macedonia, and others progressing moderately, the pressure now falls strongly on Kosovo and Bosnia to act swiftly.
The EU’s message is unmistakably clear:
Reforms are not optional. They determine both the pace and credibility of EU accession.
Why This Warning Matters for Albanians
For Albanians across Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and the diaspora, EU integration has long been a shared aspiration rooted in political stability, economic opportunity, and regional security.
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Albania’s strong performance enhances its standing in Europe.
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Kosovo's stagnation, however, threatens economic growth, foreign investment, and political legitimacy.
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Regional cooperation becomes more difficult when one partner is institutionally paralyzed.
Given that Kosovo stands to gain the largest per-capita funding allocation under the plan, its inability to move forward not only threatens its own development but also weakens the overall perception of the Albanian political space in the Western Balkans.
€6 Billion at Stake for the Region
With a total value of €6 billion, the EU Growth Plan is designed to accelerate the Western Balkans’ entry into the European single market, boost economic convergence, and modernize regional institutions.
Kosovo’s share of €900 million is substantial, and potentially transformative—if the governmental deadlock is resolved.
Conclusion: A Call for Urgency and Responsibility
Commissioner Marta Kos’s message from Tirana is both a warning and an invitation. The EU wants to see the Western Balkans succeed, but progress depends on each country’s institutional stability, political maturity, and commitment to reform.
For Albania, this is a moment of validation.
For Kosovo, this is a moment of reckoning.
A failure to act quickly could cost the country hundreds of millions in development funds—and weaken its long-term EU prospects.