🇪🇺 Ursula von der Leyen
Von der Leyen begins Balkan tour in Albania
What happened
Ursula von der Leyen will visit Tirana, Pristina, Podgorica, and Skopje from September 30 to October 2. The tour includes talks with Albanian leaders, visits to European-funded projects, and discussions on EU accession progress and the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. Albania has opened all 33 negotiating chapters and provisionally closed the first three, aiming to complete negotiations by 2027.
Why it matters
The tour is part of the European Union's efforts to support the region's economic convergence with the EU through the Growth Plan. The EU's enlargement process is seen as a strategic tool for Europe's security, stability, and economic development. The pace of Albania's accession process depends on the implementation of reforms, particularly in the rule of law, judicial independence, and public administration.
Key facts
- Albanian government aims to complete EU accession negotiations by 2027.
- Albania has allocated €922.1 million through the Growth Plan.
- The Growth Plan has a total budget of €6 billion for the Western Balkans from 2024-2027.
- The European Commission will provide €212.8 million to Albania by May 2026.
- Albania has provisionally closed the first three negotiating chapters.
Topics
Publisher evidence used
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