This policy paper, developed as part of research conducted through thematic groups during the Civil Society Forum in Tirana 2023—with support from the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans, offers a critical evaluation of the European Commission’s New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, introduced in November 2023. The paper delves into the plan’s four key pillars: fostering regional economic integration, enhancing access to the EU Single Market, increasing financial assistance, and accelerating reforms. While the framework addresses vital challenges such as institutional weaknesses, infrastructure gaps, and limited regional cooperation, the paper highlights possible shortcomings in its substance, financial commitment, and policy depth. Through a preliminary analysis, it proposes actionable steps to harness its full potential and transform the plan into a catalyst for growth and EU convergence in the region.