The TWG Access to the European Single Market held its second consultation event on June 30. At this event, the TWG members discussed the use of existing funds and made the case for increased EU funds for the countries from the WB.

The working group members acknowledged that drawing from the lessons learned from previous enlargements, more European funds would lead to the region’s economic convergence with the EU average. Greater funds would address underinvestment in transport, energy, and infrastructure in other sectors like healthcare, education, social services, etc.

The discussion recognized the issue of absorption capacities, or lack thereof, as a challenge for using existing and possible increase of EU funds. The group argued, however, that there is a need to focus on decentralized management of funds and increase the number of projects that allow accredited institutions to retain qualified professionals and build capacities for future use of EU structural funds.

The TWG also turned to the more meaningful participation of civil society organizations in planning, programming, and monitoring the existing institutional structures that manage and implement projects from EU funds.

The TWG will continue with consultations over the summer, and a public event will take place in September in Skopje. The insights from the consultation and public events will support the development of the policy paper with recommendations for the forthcoming Berlin Process summit in Tirana.