The road to accession: Will the Growth Plan re-energise the Western Balkans’ EU bid?

26 February 2024 | In-person Policy Dialogue
In November 2023, the European Commission presented the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans in an attempt to re-energise the EU accession process in the new era marked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The plan aims to boost economic growth, consolidate the Common Regional Market, and accelerate socio-economic convergence with the EU. It also wishes to encourage the Balkan aspirants to accelerate the implementation of political reforms in line with the EU acquis and the Commission’s recommendations.
This in-person Policy Dialogue analysed the main features of the plan and explored whether it can be considered a game changer in the Western Balkans’ accession process. Panellists shared their own expectations linked to this initiative, touched upon existing and potential challenges, discussed complementary fields of action, and identified pathways towards imminent change in the region.