Dr. Isabelle Ioannides, Senior Research Fellow, South-East Europe Programme at ELIAMEP co-authored the paper titled “The European Union Growth Plan for the Western Balkans: A reality test for EU enlargement” alongside Dimitar Bechev, Senior Research Fellow, South-East Europe Programme at ELIAMEP, Valbona Zeneli, Atlantic Council, Europe Center and Richard Grieveson, Deputy Director, Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies for the Europe Center of the Atlantic Council.
The timely paper focuses on the European Union Growth Plan for the Western Balkans which represents a renewed push to accelerate the region’s EU integration by offering early access to the single market, increased financial support, and a framework for deeper regional cooperation. Designed to spur economic development and political stability amid growing geopolitical pressures, the plan aims to provide tangible benefits before full accession. These include greater economic integration, enhanced investment opportunities, and improved living standards—mirroring the successful convergence seen in Central and Eastern Europe. Crucially, the plan requires regional governments to take an active role by submitting tailored reform agendas, potentially increasing local ownership and accountability in the enlargement process.
However, the Growth Plan’s effectiveness will hinge on robust implementation and political commitment on both sides. Concerns remain about the enforceability of conditionality mechanisms and the adequacy of the financial support offered, which falls short compared to that of EU member states in Southeast Europe. Success will require not only increased funding and consistent incentives from the EU, but also genuine reform efforts and institutional strengthening within the Western Balkans. Engaging civil society, aligning the plan with the EU’s green and digital agendas, and countering external influence are all essential to ensuring the initiative becomes a meaningful step toward EU enlargement rather than another missed opportunity.
You can read the paper here.
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