24/04/2024 (Agence Europe) – MEPs approved by 517 votes to 56 with 30 abstentions the provisional agreement reached with the EU Council on the €6 billion growth plan for the Western Balkans (see EUROPE 13384/4). The aim of the plan is to support internal reforms in the six countries of the Western Balkans by offering certain benefits of EU membership even before formal accession. The plan emphasises respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights, the fight against corruption, economic governance, the strengthening of democratic institutions and the reform of public administration, as well as the alignment of these countries with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. The plan also aims to stimulate socio-economic reform in the Western Balkans. (CG)