European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Albania’s progress under the Western Balkans Growth Plan. She said Albania has completed more than 80% of the planned reforms and has received more than €213 million in EU funds.

At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, von der Leyen highlighted the results of the Growth Plan. She also explained how EU investments work alongside reforms and the gradual opening of the EU single market.

“My third message is about the results of our Growth Plan,” von der Leyen said. “We bring EU investment to Albania. At the same time, as you prepare to join the EU, we open parts of our single market.”

She added that Albania must continue adopting reforms. These reforms can help Albanian companies compete successfully in European markets. According to von der Leyen, the process will gradually bring Albania’s economy closer to the EU single market.

“Albania is doing really well with the Growth Plan. You are moving quickly. You have completed more than 80% of the reforms, and that is fantastic,” she said.

In addition, von der Leyen said Albania has already received more than €213 million in EU funding. She added that the EU expects to make more payments in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, von der Leyen highlighted Albania’s participation in SEPA, the Single Euro Payments Area.

“SEPA could save Western Balkan companies around €500 million a year by reducing transaction fees and charges,” she said. “In Albania, these fees have already fallen by more than 90%. This gives Albanian businesses a tangible advantage.”

Furthermore, von der Leyen called for faster negotiations on reducing roaming charges between the Western Balkans and the EU.

“I believe this offers a great opportunity to bring people closer together. We should speed up these negotiations,” she said. She added, “If you successfully negotiate with us and the companies, I will return on the day when we launch free roaming in Albania.”

Finally, von der Leyen praised cooperation between EU and Albanian businesses. She highlighted the Western Balkans–EU Investment Conference. “Last year, we held the first Western Balkans–EU Investment Conference. We mobilized €4 billion through new agreements for the region,” she said.

Looking ahead, she wished Albania the same success at the conference’s second edition, which organizers plan to hold in November.

/a.c/