TIRANA, November 21 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania and the European Union agreed on 11 border crossings with the Western Balkans. In addition, both sides approved five CEFTA points.

Earlier today, he opened the “Growth Plan – Our Road to the EU” Summit. The prime minister noted the deal would lower costs and boost competitiveness. Meanwhile, he highlighted regional border challenges, where some crossings slowed or stalled. However, he stressed delays must end. A contribution agreement between the European Commission and the World Bank would now provide funding and expertise.

As a result, queues would shorten, trucks would move faster, and logistics costs would drop. Faster transport would strengthen competitiveness across the region. To illustrate, delayed trucks slowed GDP, while fast-moving trucks accelerated it. The principle, Rama emphasized, was simple.

Later, the focus shifted to digital integration. The “Wi-Fi for the Western Balkans” project demonstrated tangible progress in the EU integration process. EU digital infrastructure now covered all programme areas. The project had moved beyond promises and reached completion.

Officials selected 394 municipalities across the region. Albania had 61, Bosnia and Herzegovina 114, Kosova 33, Montenegro 24, North Macedonia 63, and Serbia 99. Networks would launch this year, enabling citizens to experience Europe from village squares to city centres, schools, and tourist sites.

Rama also addressed reforms. The region completed 618 steps toward Europe. According to him, the Western Balkans had never implemented reforms at such scale before. The Growth Plan approved 618 reforms in total. Out of €414 million already disbursed, 251 reforms are ongoing, while 88% of all steps are actively implemented. They cover public finance, rule of law, governance, energy, digital transformation, and the business climate.

In closing, the prime minister acknowledged the reforms might appear tedious on paper and demanding in practice. Nevertheless, he emphasized they remain transformative in reality.

/a.p./