Introduction

The Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) is the means by which the EU supports reforms in the “enlargement countries” with financial and technical help. The IPA funds build up the capacities of the countries throughout the accession process, resulting in progressive, positive developments in the region. For the period 2007-2013 IPA had a budget of some EUR 11.5 billion; its successor, IPA II, will build on the results already achieved by dedicating EUR 11,7 billion for the period 2014-2020.

Current beneficiaries are: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey.

EU pre-accession funds intend to support both the enlargement countries and the EU itself. They aim at helping the beneficiaries make political and economic reforms, preparing them for the rights and obligations that come with EU membership. Those reforms should provide their citizens with better opportunities and allow for development of standards equal to the ones citizens of the EU enjoy. The pre-accession funds also help the EU reach its own objectives regarding a sustainable economic recovery, energy supply, transport, the environment and climate change, etc.

Eligibility

Current beneficiary countries are: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey.

Beneficiary organisations, include, among others:

  • civil society organisations;
  • independent political foundations.