This policy brief assesses the EU's proposed shift to a performance-based financing model under the Global Europe Instrument and its structural implications for Western Balkan candidate countries. It highlights the transition from project-based cost reimbursement to direct budget support tied to reform milestones, evaluating early lessons from the Reform and Growth Facility. Pointing out that this model risks leaving administrations unprepared to manage post-accession shared funds, the brief provides concrete recommendations for national governments to centralise reform delivery and for EU institutions to mandate implementation-focused milestones.

This publication was produced within the framework of the Regional Academy on Dialogue and Culture of Cooperation, funded by the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans and the Western Balkans Fund.