Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans had the privilege to host the panel “A ‘Growth Plan’ for the EU? Western Balkans and the Future of the Single Market” in the frame of the Belgrade Security Conference 2024. While panelists agreed that the New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is a good economic tool for socio-economic convergence of the region to the EU, it must not be decoupled from fundamental values.

Serbian Minister for European Integration Tanja Miščević opened the panel by explaining the lack of public engagement in drafting of Reform Agenda due to tight deadlines set by European Commission. Miščević stated that the Plan represents a tool by which the countries can show their credibility and commitment to the EU integration process. She also announced that the same week the Government of Serbia would prepare two draft laws that would become the legal basis to benefit the funds from the Growth Plan facility.

She expressed confidence that Serbia could meet all its obligations for the EU integration process by the end of 2026.

“We are currently at 30% compliance with EU obligations. To be considered ready, we need to reach at least 80–90%,” Miščević stated, underscoring the need for societal consensus on EU membership.
Dritan Abazović, the Former Prime Minister of Montenegro, praised the New Growth Plan as a new and good idea after a lot of time without new ideas in the enlargement process. He stressed that the region needs to have invisible borders, and that “maybe Montenegro could join the EU earlier, but the success would not be achieved if not all 6 WB countries joined the EU”.

Milica Delević, Director for Governance, Competitiveness, and Political Affairs at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) welcomed the Growth Plan, noting that it comes at a time when interest in the EU enlargement process is being renewed. However, Delević still expressed skepticism about the amount of funding provided for the region having in mind big converge gap between region and the EU.

Finally, Tulio Ambrosone, Chief of Staff to the EU Rapporteur on the Future of Single Market Enrico Letta, stressed that economic integration would not automatically create political integration. He noted that the process impacts both member states and candidates, suggesting establishment of a solidarity facility as a funding mechanism that could address negative effects of the accession process.

The panel discussion highlighted the need for the Western Balkans countries to maximize the benefits from Growth Plan and use the opportunity of additional funding and support to jolt in-country reforms, efforts that are greatly supported by Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans work with civil society in monitoring and contributing to Growth Plan reform agendas.