The Council of the European Union gave the final green light to almost 14.2 billion euro of pre-accession financial assistance for the period 2021–2027 in favour of the Republic of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia, the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Turkey.
This is reported on the website of the European Council.
“This support will help beneficiaries carry out reforms with a view to future Union membership. The beneficiaries will be supported in conducting the necessary political, institutional, legal, administrative, social and economic reforms in order to comply with Union values and to progressively align themselves with Union rules, standards, policies and practices,” the European Council stated.
The assistance will be based both on a performance-based approach and the fair share principle. This means that assistance will be differentiated in scope and intensity according to performance of the beneficiaries. Particular attention will be paid to efforts made in the fundamental reform areas (the rule of law and fundamental rights, democratic institutions and public administration reform, as well as economic development and competitiveness).
It is also foreseen that the scope and intensity of the assistance can be modulated in case of significant regression or persistent lack of progress by a beneficiary in the fundamental reform areas. In such cases funds could be reduced proportionally and redirected without compromising support for improving fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law, including support to civil society.
After the announced Resolution of the European Council, the Plenary of the European Parliament will also have to complete its confirmation process. The adoption of the regulation is expected in September.