The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, declared from Tirana, where she delivered the opening speech at the first EU-Western Balkans Investment Forum, that Albania is on the right path towards the EU.
Von der Leyen praised the work done by the Albanian government and emphasized that she supports the ambition of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama to close the negotiating chapters by the end of 2027.
“You have come a long way, you have made progress, but I want to emphasize that it is remarkable progress, at a record speed and a real acceleration in the last three years.
Furthermore, the President of the European Commission highlighted that the Albanian economy has gained access to the common market and to new EU investments.
Von der Leyen pointed out the support that Albania is receiving. According to her, with the fulfillment of reforms, Albania can access the entire fund based on the Growth Plan, around 1 billion euros.
Also, with Albania’s entry into SEPA, money transfers between Albania and the EU are safer and cheaper.
“A third example is roaming. We reached an agreement with operators in 2023, and next year we will eliminate all roaming charges between Albania and the EU,” said Von der Leyen.
For his part, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama underscored the fact that Albania is moving quickly in the negotiation process with the European Union and appreciated the support of the European Commission in this process.
The Prime Minister thanked the European Commission for its ongoing support and especially President Von der Leyen, who, according to him, “returns to Tirana unwavering in her support for Albania’s full membership process in the EU.”
The President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, was in Tirana as part of the first Investment Forum “European Union-Western Balkans” taking place on October 13-14.
She was welcomed by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama with an official ceremony on “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard, while she also had a meeting with the President of Albania, Bajram Begaj. (October 13)
