Following the ratification in the Kosovo Assembly of the agreements linked to the EU Growth Plan and the submission of the necessary documentation by the Government, the European Commission has begun the transfer of the €61.8 million pre-financing funds for Kosovo through the Reform and Growth Instrument under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, giving an important boost to the advancement of reforms.
According to a statement by the EU spokesperson Nikola Gaon, the pre-financing represents 7% of the total €882.6 million in grants and favourable loans available to Kosovo under the Growth Plan until the end of 2027. These funds will support the implementation of Kosovo’s Reform Agenda and key infrastructure projects supported by the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), further bringing Kosovo closer to the EU.
“Of the €61.8 million, €28.74 million in loans have today been transferred to Kosovo’s budget, while the remaining amount – €33.04 million (€17.73 million in grants and €15.31 million in loans) – will be channelled through the WBIF,” the statement reads.
Under its Reform Agenda, which forms the basis for the allocation of funds under the EU Growth Plan, Kosovo has committed to implementing 111 reform steps covering key areas such as the rule of law, governance, economic development, green and digital transition, and human capital.
Each reform step is linked to a specific financial allocation. Payments under the Growth Plan will be made progressively as Kosovo implements the agreed reforms. If certain reform steps are not completed within the set deadlines, the corresponding funds will not be disbursed.
The first deadline includes 13 reform steps worth a total of €90.8 million, expected by 30 June 2026. Additionally, by the end of this year, another 27 reform steps worth €165.9 million must be completed.
“The European Union stands by Kosovo on its path towards EU integration. The Growth Plan offers concrete opportunities to accelerate EU-related reforms and to bring Kosovo’s economy closer to the EU single market. Through this support, the EU aims to help Kosovo strengthen the rule of law, advance the green and digital transition, and promote sustainable economic growth,” said the EU Office in Kosovo Head of Mission, Eva Palatova.
“Kosovo is committed to the timely implementation of the Reform Agenda, as well as to fully utilising the opportunities offered by the Growth Plan. Indeed, some time has been lost, but we will do our utmost to accelerate reforms and fulfil our commitments. This is a difficult task, but achievable,” said Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
The EU is the largest provider of financial assistance and the most reliable partner of Kosovo, with more than €3.7 billion in grants invested across sectors since 1999, and an additional €421 million in IPA grants (EU Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance) currently available to Kosovo.
In addition, through the Growth Plan, the EU continues to support Kosovo’s reform efforts and the country’s progress on its path towards European integration.
For more information on Kosovo’s 111 reform steps and the payments made under the EU Growth Plan, please consult the Reform and Growth Instrument Scoreboard.
