EU Leaders Must Act Now to Translate Brussels Declaration Into Inclusive Growth

The EU-Western Balkans Summit concluded with the Brussels Declaration, reaffirming an ambitious vision for the region’s future. The Growth Plan, with a €6 billion investment to double economic growth over the next decade, marks a pivotal opportunity—but only if governments take decisive action now. Achieving this vision depends on implementing transformative reforms that ensure growth benefits everyone.

A cornerstone of these reforms is human capital development—a decisive factor for unlocking the region’s potential. Yet, education systems across the Western Balkans are failing to equip young people with the skills demanded by the modern workforce. The situation is particularly acute for millions of Roma, who represent the youngest and most underserved demographic in the region.

“If governments fail to recognise the potential of investing in Roma communities, the economic convergence of the Western Balkans with the EU could be delayed by decades,” warned Zeljko Jovanovic, president of the Roma Foundation for Europe. Current projections suggest it may take up to 70 years for the region to catch up without urgent intervention.

Investing in Roma is not just a moral imperative—it is a strategic economic decision. Recent findings from our report, Boosting the Western Balkans Growth, demonstrate that targeted investments in skills training for Roma populations yield significant returns. In many cases, these investments pay for themselves within three years, driving productivity and economic gains. The omission of this potential in the Brussels Declaration is a missed opportunity.

In Serbia alone, between 14% and 29% of all new labour market entrants will be Roma by 2035.

“In the face of shifting global geopolitical challenges, resilient economies in the Western Balkans are more than a goal—they are a necessity”, says Zeljko Jovanovic. “Prioritising inclusion, particularly for excluded groups like the Roma, is critical to unlocking the region’s economic potential. It’s time for leaders to move from rhetoric to action, ensuring no one is left behind as the Western Balkans progress toward full EU membership. Investing in all communities isn’t just about fairness; it’s a strategic imperative for stability and growth.”