Pekevski: Funds from the Growth Plan are support, but not of great significance

Analyst from Skopje, Sinisa Pekevski, told Kosovo Online that the money allocated through the Growth Plan for the six Western Balkan countries is important and should serve as support, but in the case of North Macedonia, it is not of major significance.

"For North Macedonia, 15 million euros from the latest tranche is not an amount that can significantly improve many things. If they focus only on a specific segment, then maybe they could make some progress," Pekevski said.

In the latest payment tranche, he noted, only three countries received funds from the Growth Plan, with Albania receiving the most – around 99.7 million euros.

"Next is North Macedonia with 15.7 million, and finally Montenegro with 8.7 million euros. The initiatives are divided into two phases – the first involves direct support for work related to infrastructure, climate change, and strengthening various public administration capacities, while the second is direct support through various grants. So, we cannot say that these are large sums. Compared to the agreement North Macedonia signed with the United Kingdom, worth five billion pounds, this is just a drop in the ocean," Pekevski explained.

The total amount foreseen for North Macedonia under the Growth Plan is 750 million euros.

Kosovo, meanwhile, has not received even the amount designated as pre-financing from the EU, as it failed to ratify the Growth Plan Agreement with the European Union due to the elections. However, Pekevski does not believe that Kosovo is at risk of losing the funds allocated to it.

"It is in the EU’s interest to support initiatives in Kosovo. There is currently a standstill because of the elections and the inability to form a government, but once things settle and a stable government is established, I think all the funds will be directed to them," he said.

Regarding Serbia, he pointed out that the "games the EU is playing" are evident, aimed at pressuring Serbia to break its ties with Russia.

"On the other hand, they are also playing between supporting those who favor blockades, so this is a specific moment for Serbia. I believe that after the New Year, all these matters will be settled," Pekevski concluded.