Western Balkan leaders will gather on Monday in Durres for the Brdo-Brioni Initiative Summit, with a main focus on the region's European perspective and the implementation of the European Union's Growth Plan.
The summit, which is held under the motto "Common interests, shared commitment for a common future: Together towards the EU", is organized by the presidents of Slovenia and Croatia, Natasa Pirc Musar and Zoran Milanović, and chaired by the President of Albania, Bajram Begaj.
At the heart of the discussions will be the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, a financial instrument worth 6 billion euros for the period 2024-2027, which aims at the gradual integration of the countries of the region into the EU single market.
Slovenia, one of the initiators of the process that began in 2013, is expected to emphasize once again that EU enlargement to the Western Balkans remains the “most effective geopolitical tool to ensure stability, peace and security in the region.” In addition to economic growth, the meeting will also focus on strengthening regional cooperation.
High regional participation
The participation of all members of the Initiative (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia) has been confirmed at the important meeting in Albania.
Among the leaders present will be the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, and the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, as well as the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the President of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.
The Brdo-Brioni Initiative aims to facilitate the efforts of the Western Balkan countries on their path towards membership in the European Union.
Distribution of funds
One of the main points of the summit in Durres is the EU Growth Plan, for which the European Union has created a financial instrument worth 6 billion euros for the period 2024-2027. These funds aim to accelerate reforms and promote the region's economic convergence with the EU.
The distribution of the fund for the Western Balkan countries is expected to be as follows:
Albania: Over 920 million euros
Serbia: Over 1.5 billion euros
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Around 900 million euros (after a 10% reduction due to schedule delays)
Kosovo: 880 million euros
North Macedonia: Over 750 million euros
Montenegro: 380 million euros
History of the Brdo-Brioni initiative
The Brdo-Brioni Initiative, which aims to foster mutual cooperation and European integration, has been held annually since its establishment in 2013. Last year, the Summit was held in Montenegro. There, leaders committed to good neighborly relations, further reforms, and the implementation of the Green Agenda for the region. This year's meeting in Durrës is expected to continue with the same commitment, giving particular importance to the economic dimension./ rtsh