In 2023, the European Union introduced the Growth Plan—a new strategic initiative and tool aimed at accelerating the European integration process of the Western Balkans countries. This plan, functioning as an incentive mechanism, offers candidate countries an easier opportunity to implement fundamental reforms and swiftly meet the political, economic, and legal criteria for EU membership, known as the Copenhagen criteria. Through this plan, the European Union introduces what is called a “regatta principle” of enlargement, serving as a basis for a reform competition among the candidate countries for EU membership.
Under the “reforms for money” principle, North Macedonia stands to receive 750 million euros, conditional on the timely implementation of the planned reforms across various spheres of the state’s political system. According to the government’s Reform Agenda for 2024–2027, 260 million euros—or 35% of the total funds of the Plan—are allocated as a “reward” for reforms in key areas such as public administration, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption.
With the start of the second year of the Reform Agenda in 2025, new deadlines have been set for some of the planned reforms. Given that a significant portion of these measures are interlinked and mutually dependent, special care is required in decision-making. For this reason, it is particularly important to intensify the involvement and collaboration with the expert community and civil society.
Parliamentarians must be aware of the gravity of their role during this historic period and do everything possible to ensure continuity and consistency in the process of fulfilling the responsibilities assumed before the citizens and the European Union.
Read more in the document:
Reforms for Good Governance: How Can We Earn the “Rewards” from the Growth Plan?