Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević, and Minister of Finance Novica Vuković, actively participated in the conference "The Growth Plan: Western Balkans meets EU" hosted by Prime Minister of North Macedonia Dmitar Kovachevski in Skopje today.

Leaders from the region, alongside representatives from the European Union and the United States, engaged in discussions revolving around the Western Balkans Growth Plan. This comprehensive plan involves a substantial injection of six billion euros in grants and concessional loans to accelerate socio-economic convergence with the European Union. Out of this amount, two billion euros will be allocated in grants, while four billion euros will be offered as EU-backed concessional loans.

Prime Minister Spajić emphasized the significance of this meeting, where regional countries outlined the future direction in the European integration process. He underscored that integration into the internal market is a crucial opportunity that Western Balkan countries must seize.

For Montenegro, membership is not just a formal category but a necessity for deep economic integration that will provide our citizens with a standard of living comparable to developed European countries. Our priority is clear – to make economic integration a reality and improve the quality of life, making EU membership a certainty, said Prime Minister Spajić.

He expressed confidence in the strength derived from unity and highlighted the importance of creating a functional and connected regional market to unlock numerous opportunities for trade, investment, and economic development.

Prime Minister Spajić reiterated Montenegro's commitment to implementing the Growth Plan, focusing on sustainable development, innovation, and inclusive economic policies. This commitment involves strengthening the legal framework, investing in infrastructure, and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship.

He further mentioned that the Government of Montenegro had prepared a Reform Agenda at the end of the previous year, emphasizing that, despite tight deadlines, they had laid a solid foundation for reform measures to be further refined in collaboration with the European Commission.

The identified priority areas for Montenegro, as outlined by Prime Minister Spajić, include improving the business environment, private sector development, digital and green energy transitions, human resources development, and strengthening the rule of law.

Concluding his remarks, Prime Minister Spajić expressed confidence that, through collaboration, determination, and a commitment to sustainable development, the region could build a brighter future.

In addition to Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, the event was attended by President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti, while Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Borjana Krišto addressed the participants via a video message.

Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General of the Directorate for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations at the European Commission, and James O'Brien, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, also took part in the conference.

The conference concluded with the adoption of a joint declaration.

Note: In November 2023, the European Commission adopted a new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, with the aim of bringing the Western Balkan partners closer to the EU through offering some of the benefits of EU membership to the region in advance of accession, boosting economic growth and accelerating socio-economic convergence. 

To support this process a new €6 billion financial instrument, the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans has been proposed for the period 2024-2027. The payments will be made only once the agreed-upon reforms are implemented.