EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen Declares €6 Billion Investment Package in Western Balkans Tied to Reforms

EU Commission President announces funding initiative during a four-day visit to Western Balkans, emphasizing economic growth and integration with the EU, conditioned on wide-ranging reforms from candidate nations.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced a €6 billion investment package for Western Balkan countries seeking to join the EU.
The funding is expected to significantly boost the economies of the recipient nations but is contingent on the implementation of key reforms.
Included within the proposed reforms are improvements to public administration, financial management, the judicial system, and anti-corruption measures.
During the announcement, von der Leyen also emphasized the need for Serbia and Kosovo to normalize relations as part of their efforts to join the EU.
Six Western Balkan countries, including North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, are at different stages of EU integration.