1 July 2025, Skopje, North Macedonia

North Macedonia hosted the Western Balkan leaders meeting on the European Union's Growth Plan, as a result of the proactive role of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia in the preparation and implementation of the Reform Agenda related to this strategic plan. The leaders discussed major challenges, the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and the position of the Western Balkans.

WB6 issued a joint declaration titled "Stability, Unity, Future", reaffirming their strong commitment to EU integration and enhanced regional cooperation under the EU Growth Plan.

Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the WB6 leaders underscored their shared dedication to democratic reforms, the rule of law, and socio-economic transformation—key pillars for regional stability and prosperity. The declaration welcomed the new EU Reform and Growth Facility and affirmed the partners’ active implementation of their respective Reform Agendas.

In alignment with the Growth Plan, leaders pledged to deepen regional economic integration through the Common Regional Market, expand access to the EU Single Market, and continue critical reforms in areas such as mobility, trade facilitation, digital transformation, and financial system modernization, including efforts toward full SEPA participation.

The declaration also welcomed initiatives such as the Single Market Academy, Agreements on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance (ACAAs), and the development of infrastructure corridors and green lanes across borders. These are seen as key enablers of growth, integration, and industrial competitiveness.

Addressing the summit, Director Handjiska Trendafilova stressed: “With the Growth plan entering full implementation mode, we must double down on professionalisation, civil service reforms and administrative strengthening. That includes developing the skillsets, mindsets, and networks needed for our civil servants—including at the local level—to deliver on reforms and implement and shape EU policies. The success of the Growth Plan also hinges on the quality of its governance. ReSPA team is ready to support this commitment via: continuing delivering targeted capacity building on Single Market related topics; supporting and promoting regional upscalling of great initiatives: Ready4EU, AI in acquis transposition & procurement, Young Cells excellence programmes; supporting the inclusion of WB in EU instruments and platforms like TSI, EUPAN, DISPA and others, in the spirit of gradual integration; peer exchanges & mobility with EU Member States and digital transformation of public services.

Gert-Jan Koopman, Director General for the Western Balkans at the European Commission, emphasised the need for strong political leadership and enhanced administrative capacities to ensure the effective implementation of the Growth Plan.