EU Council adopts a plan worth 6 billion euros for Western Balkans to speed up enlargement process
BRUSSELS (AP) — EU countries approved a plan worth 6 billion euros ($6.45 billion) to support Western Balkan states on Tuesday aimed at accelerating reforms and economic growth in the region, as they seek future membership in the bloc.
The Council of the European Union said the plan, which covers the period from 2024 to 2027, is expected to provide up to 2 billion euros in grants ($2.15 billion) and 4 billion euros ($4.3 billion) in loans. Aid is contingent on reforms that would bring Western Balkan economies in line with EU rules.
“The facility will support a range of socio-economic and fundamental reforms, including reforms related to the rule of law and fundamental rights,” the Council said.
The region’s six countries — Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia — are at different stages in their applications for membership, but residents have been frustrated with the slow pace of the process. Croatia was the last country to be accepted by the EU in 2013.
Related articles
Kim Kardashian is relentlessly BOOED by the crowd at Tom Brady roast in her hometown of Los Angeles
Kim Kardashian was booed by the crowd Sunday evening at the Kia Forum in her hometown of Los Angeles2024-05-07China prepares to launch space station core module
China's new large carrier rocket Long March-5B blasts off from Wenchang Space Launch Center in south2024-05-07Cainiao, JD, SF among logistics firms on global march
Chinese logistics companies are ramping up efforts to boost delivery efficiency for cross-border par2024-05-07Cold Harbin a hot tourism destination for holiday
Harbin, Heilongjiang province, a hot tourism destination since winter, welcomed around 10.1 million2024-05-07Yadav unbeaten ton helps Mumbai end losing streak in IPL
MUMBAI, India (AP) — Suryakumar Yadav’s masterful unbeaten century led Mumbai Indians to a seven-wic2024-05-07New advances inspire China's deep space exploration
The Long March-5B Y2 rocket, carrying the Tianhe module, blasts off from the Wenchang Spacecraft Lau2024-05-07
atest comment