Additional EU funds for balanced reforms in the region

Additional EU funds will result in a uniform quality of implementation of reforms in the Western Balkans in key areas, including the Rule of Law, Good neighbourly relations and Security and Migration, was stated at the IPA Multi-country Coordination meeting in Skopje.

The meeting that was held in the past two days was attended by representatives of the countries of the Western Balkans, Turkey and the European Commission. On behalf of Montenegro, the meeting was attended by representatives of the European Integration Office.

The participants of the meeting discussed the actions proposed for funding under the IPA Multi-country programme for 2019 and 2020, for which the EU has committed 745 million euros, related to EU flagships in the areas of Rule of Law, Security and Migration, Economic Development, Boosting connectivity, Digital agenda and Good neighbourly relations.

It was concluded that the engagement of additional EU funds at the regional level will result in a uniform quality of implementation of key reforms in these areas, with the adoption of best practices and EU standards.
After conducting additional consultations, the European Commission will adopt the proposed programs by the end of 2018.

Director for Western Balkans at the Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Genoveva Ruiz Calavera, said that the countries of the Western Balkans had made remarkable progress over the past year in terms of implementing the reforms in the process of European integration as well as in resolving open bilateral issues.

It was agreed that the EU will continue to support the IPA Multi-country programme through reforms that are thematically common to all beneficiary countries, enhancing regional cooperation through additional financing of technical support, regional initiatives and networking administrations.

GENERAL SECRETARIAT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO
SECTOR FOR INFORMING THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE PROCESS OF ACCESSION TO THE EUROPEAN UNION