Albania received the pre-financing foreseen under the EU’s Reform and Growth Facility. This is part of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which aims to accelerate the socio-economic convergence of the region with the EU and pave the way to EU membership. 

The pre-financing, to the amount of EUR 64.5 million, is underway and will support the implementation of the Reform Agenda, under the Reform and Growth Facility, and the commitments that Albania undertook with it. 

With this pre-financing, Albania received EUR 30 million in concessional loans for the state budget, as support for the implementation of the reforms under the country’s Reform Agenda. The remaining pre-financing of EUR 34.5 million, in grants and concessional loans, will be injected directly to the WBIF (Western Balkans Investment Framework) for infrastructure investments in Albania. 

“The European Union stands by Albania’s side on its path to EU accession. The Growth Plan helps Albania to achieve this goal and to bring the Albanian economy closer to that of the European Union before Albania becomes a member. We are supporting Albania consolidate its rule of law, to develop its infrastructure, its green economy, its human capital and its private business. Europe is here to support sustainable growth and social cohesion as Albania prepares to access the EU’s single market,” said EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato.

“We value this as a clear sign of trust from the EU in Albania’s reform path and steady progress toward joining the European family. We fully embrace the magnitude of this historical opportunity, as well as the commitments ahead, and we are energetically motivated and prepared to continue reforming and diligently delivering on meeting the criteria for Albania’s European Union membership! Europe is here!)”, said Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka. 

 Until 2027, Albania has the opportunity to receive up to EUR 922.1 million in total from the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans, in return for reforms in rule of law and fundamental rights, renewable energy, digital economy, human capital and private sector development.

Future payments under the Facility will be made upon completion of the reform steps agreed between the Commission and the Albanian Government in the Reform Agenda. As Albania progresses in the implementation of its Reform Agenda, the EU will unlock the payments.

Background

The Western Balkans Growth Plan offers a roadmap to bring the economies of the Western Balkans closer to the European Union. It also facilitates gradual access to the Single Market, allowing citizens in Western Balkans to reap some early benefits of the EU integration, as well as supports further regional economic integration.

The Growth Plan provides EUR 6 billion in additional financial assistance to support socio-economic and fundamental reforms and related investments. Payments are conditional upon the achievement of reforms specified in the Reform Agendas prepared by each beneficiary (https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/commission-implementing-decision-approving-reform-agendas-and-multiannual-work-programme-under_en).

The European Commission is currently working on the assessment of the first set of reform steps. The fulfilment of these steps will entitle Albania to receive the correspondent disbursement under the Facility.