All countries in the region and relevant institutions see regional economic integration as a key policy goal to promote regional and, consequently, national economic development, stated the German Ambassador to Montenegro, Peter Felten.
“I consider this a sign that all the countries in the region are determined to cooperate closely to make regional economic integration a reality,” said Felten on the second day of the conference called “Empower. Integrate. Grow.”
According to a statement from the Ministry of European Affairs, the conference gathered ministers and representatives from the Western Balkan countries, as well as officials from the European Commission, around the topic that united the region – the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator with the European Union, Predrag Zenović, speaking about the complementarity of the Growth Plan with the negotiation process, stated that the Reform Agenda will be the core for implementing activities that overlap with reforms in the negotiation process.
“This instrument will accelerate the implementation of reforms and socio-economic convergence in the region, improving the standard of living and quality of life for citizens,” Zenović said.
During the panel “Pre-Accession Benefits: From SEPA to Green Corridors and Beyond,” arguments from each Western Balkan country, as well as the European Commission, were presented regarding the Growth Plan, economic integration, and alignment with the EU Single Market.
This panel also provided an opportunity to discuss the implementation of reform agendas, which include socio-economic and structural reforms planned for the period from last year to 2027 under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, discussed the benefits the Growth Plan brings to the Western Balkans, particularly in terms of reforms and progressive integration into the EU Single Market and the common regional market.
She highlighted the savings that joining the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and Green Corridors would bring to the Western Balkans.
“It is important that citizens are aware of the benefits that the four pillars of the Growth Plan will bring and that we all become ambassadors for the initiatives that will benefit the countries of the Western Balkans. The European Commission expects us to continue working with dedication on the Growth Plan as the process of accession planning has intensified,” Superti noted.
Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević reminded that last year was successful for all countries in the region, marked by numerous initiatives with concrete results.
“All these initiatives are here for the citizens. Not only SEPA, but all other initiatives stemming from the Growth Plan can enable economic progress across the region. While we work on negotiations and reforms, we want our citizens to already see a difference and progress on the path to full membership,” Gorčević said.
Other speakers at the panel included European Affairs Ministers Tanja Miščević and Orhan Murtezani, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Besnik Bislimi, General Director of the Department for European Integration and Policies Adrian Kamenica, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Josip Brkić.
Ministers emphasized the importance of regional initiatives for faster adaptation to European standards and integration into the EU Single Market. Projects such as Green Lanes and SEPA were particularly praised for facilitating better connectivity and economic integration in the region.
They stated that they view the Growth Plan as a tool for bringing the region closer to the EU and fostering dialogue, as well as advancing reforms. However, it was emphasized that it should not be seen as the only plan for the Western Balkans, but rather as a tool to accelerate the integration process and attract investments.
The speakers agreed that as the countries of the Western Balkans implement reforms, they expect a stronger signal of support from the EU, which would confirm that the region is on the right path, and that concrete results and rewards for achievements are key for further progress.
Some countries in the region are facing political challenges that slow down the implementation of the Growth Plan, but there is hope for joint solutions.
The panel also announced that the next summit under the Growth Plan will be held in March in Skopje, with expectations that the coming year will be very intense for all the countries in the region, particularly in implementing reforms and further integration.
They stressed that EU membership is the ultimate goal, with an emphasis on the “regatta principle,” where progress is based on merit, and advancement depends on achieved results.
The conference is organized by the GIZ Open Regional Fund for Southeast Europe – Foreign Trade, financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), in collaboration with the Ministry of European Affairs.
