EU Growth Plan for North Macedonia
€750.4 million
to accelerate reforms, economic growth and North Macedonia’s path towards the EU.
Bringing North Macedonia closer to the EU Single Market and delivering tangible benefits for citizens and businesses.
About the Growth Plan
The EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is designed to bring some of the benefits of EU membership to citizens and businesses before accession. For North Macedonia, the Plan combines gradual integration into the EU Single Market, stronger regional economic integration, implementation of key reforms and increased EU financial support.
Through its Reform Agenda for 2024-2027, North Macedonia has committed to reforms that support economic growth, strengthen institutions, accelerate the green and digital transition and improve opportunities for citizens and businesses.
€750.4 million in non-repayable grants and favourable loans is allocated to North Macedonia under the Reform and Growth Facility, with disbursement linked to delivery of the agreed reforms.
How does the Growth Plan work?
Closer to the EU Single Market
Giving businesses and citizens access to some of the opportunities of the EU Single Market ahead of accession.
Stronger regional integration
Building a Common Regional Market and making it easier for people, goods and services to move across the Western Balkans.
Faster reforms
Accelerating reforms in areas that directly affect economic development, institutions and citizens’ quality of life.
More EU investment
Supporting reforms and investments through the €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans.
What does this mean for North Macedonia?
Better opportunities for businesses
- Improved business environment
- More digital public services
- Easier customs procedures
- Better conditions for investment and innovation
- Closer integration with the EU Single Market
Better education and skills
- A stronger education system
- Development of human capital
- Skills better aligned with labour-market needs
- More opportunities linked to the digital economy
Digital transformation
- More public services available digitally
- Stronger cybersecurity
- Support for digitalisation of SMEs and the public sector
- Better digital infrastructure
Green transition and energy
- Further decarbonisation
- Electricity-market integration
- Progress towards cleaner and more sustainable economic growth
Stronger institutions
- More transparent public finance and public administration
- Judicial integrity
- Stronger fight against corruption and organised crime
- Electoral reform and strengthened democratic institutions
The Growth Plan in numbers
€750.4 million
allocated to North Macedonia under the Reform and Growth Facility
€6 billion
total Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans
2024-2027
period covered by North Macedonia’s Reform Agenda
€142.1 million
released under North Macedonia’s Facility envelope by July 2026 following progress in delivering reforms
Progress so far
North Macedonia is already progressing with implementation of its Reform Agenda.
In May 2026, the European Commission made available a further €65.7 million following a positive assessment of reform steps implemented in education and digitalisation. This brought the total amount released under North Macedonia’s Facility envelope to €142.1 million.
Bringing North Macedonia closer to the EU
North Macedonia and SEPA
North Macedonia’s integration into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) is an important example of gradual integration into the EU Single Market under the Growth Plan.
Participation in SEPA helps pave the way for faster, safer and less costly euro payments for citizens and businesses.
Milestones
November 2023
The EU launches the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
May 2024
The Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans enters into force.
October 2024
The European Commission approves North Macedonia’s Reform Agenda.
March 2025
North Macedonia becomes the first beneficiary to receive pre-financing under the Growth Plan; €52.2 million in pre-financing is set in motion.
2025
North Macedonia advances its gradual integration into the EU Single Market, including through SEPA and digital transformation measures.
May 2026
A further €65.7 million is made available following progress in education and digitalisation, bringing total releases to €142.1 million.
July 2026
The EU confirms that North Macedonia has received €142.1 million under the Facility following progress in delivering key reforms.