BRUSSELS (AP) — EU countries approved a plan worth 6 billion euros ($6.45 billion) to support Western Balkan states on Tuesday aimed at accelerating reforms and economic growth in the region, as they seek future membership in the bloc. The Council of the European Union said the plan, which covers the period from 2024 to 2027, is expected to provide up to 2 billion euros in grants ($2.15 billion) and 4 billion euros ($4.3 billion) in loans. Aid is contingent on reforms that would bring Western Balkan economies in line with EU rules. “The facility will support a range of socio-economic and fundamental reforms, including reforms related to the rule of law and fundamental rights,” the Council said. The region’s six countries — Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia — are at different stages in their applications for membership, but residents have been frustrated with the slow pace of the process. Croatia was the last country to be accepted by the EU in 2013. |
Auditors can't locate former St. Louis circuit attorney to complete state auditPowerful ethnic armed group in western Myanmar claims to capture base and hundreds of soldiersStars and DeBoer moving on after ousting Cup champ Vegas in tight 7Strictly's Katya Jones, 34, shares fears over her 'maternal clock' amid busy dance scheduleCollege protests: Columbia University cancels main commencementSpain's Prado Museum confirms rediscovery of lost Caravaggio. Painting will be unveiled May 27I have the largest penis in BritainEmily Andre shares sweet snap breastfeeding her baby daughter in hospital as she thanks midwivesWoman, 62, is left baffled as she turns up to a hospital scan only to be told she's already deadFBI says an infant abducted from New Mexico park has been found safe; a suspect is in custody