An Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans

The policy document acknowledges that investing in the future of the Western Balkans also means investing in research, innovation, health, education, culture, youth and sport, which are powerful tools to boost not only the region’s economic development, resilience and competitiveness, but also its social cohesion, meaning full economic participation for all its citizens. It mentions that further IPA funding could subsequently support investments in rural areas and agriculture, in the cultural and creative sectors, in health and human capital development, including education, and to boost cross border cooperation, including on innovation.
The EU aims to support the development of human capital by increasing IPA funding, in particular as regards the reform priorities identified in the Economic Reform Programme process and joint policy guidance in the areas of education and skills, employment, and social protection and inclusion. Emphasis will also be put on youth, health, culture and sport. Although the Communication does not mention per se the role of culture in health and well-being, these two fields are mentioned together in numerous cases as important elements in building the region’s economic development, resilience and social cohesion, which creates relevant space for further fruitful synergies in practice.
The document targets Western Balkans countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia.