Skopje, 1 July 2025 – Under the motto “Stability, Unity, Future,” leaders from the Western Balkans gathered together in Skopje for a high-level meeting on the Growth Plan. The event brought together heads of government from the region, representatives of the European Commission, international organisations, and partners. Carine Hénoque, the Acting Director of the CEFTA Secretariat, attended the meeting, which was hosted by the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski
In a joint statement, the leaders of the six Western Balkans reaffirmed their commitment to the Common Regional Market. They highlighted the Green Lanes Roadmap as a key initiative to boost intra-CEFTA trade, strengthen customs cooperation, and modernise border crossings. The Transport Community, working with the CEFTA Secretariat, has already developed 11 project fiches targeting major crossing points with the EU, which could cut waiting times by up to 70% once fully implemented.
The leaders also commended the adoption of the nine groundbreaking agreements by CEFTA Parties in October 2024, followed by four more in March 2025. These agreements aim to transform trade and economic cooperation by streamlining business operations, opening new job opportunities, and enhancing consumer protection. They also acknowledged the importance of efficient mechanisms for resolving trade disputes.
Carine Hénoque, the Acting Director of the CEFTA Secretariat , emphasised CEFTA’s critical role in paving the way for the region’s integration into the EU Single Market.
“CEFTA is central to the implementation efforts of the Growth Plan in advancing through the free movement of goods, services, and professionals, as well as digital trust services. To stay on track, we need political support, strong engagement and readiness to collaborate, and a well-resourced operational Secretariat that delivers on an increasingly complex agenda” stated Ms. Hénoque.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to advancing regional economic integration and ensuring fully functioning regional institutions to drive forward the Common Regional Market and prepare for deeper integration into the EU’s Single Market.
