Prime Minister Edi Rama had a joint conference with the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen this Wednesday during her visit to Albania.

Von der Leyen expressed her satisfaction at the opening of the group-chapter negotiations, stressing that this success is the result of dedication and long work.

She mentioned three main issues, emphasizing the importance of the growth plan for the Western Balkans, which will bring financing of 920 million euros for Albania, as well as the commitment to carbon neutrality until 2050.

“I am really very happy to be in Tirana. Finally, last week we opened negotiations for group-chapters. Dear Edi, what a success this is, the success that comes as a result of many, many years of hard work but also dedication to this common objective. You have traded vision, patience and these things are already giving their results. You can be sure that the expansion will continue to be a priority in the continuation of my next term because we have all the mechanisms to do the good work. Let me mention 3 main issues. The first concerns our growth plan for the countries of the Western Balkans, we open the door to any partner in the Western Balkans. It has already been a year since the work on the reform agenda began, and the Balkan countries have this agenda ready. Albania is one of these countries and dear Edi, your team has done a great job for refoems. We must now start financing with 64 million euros before the end of the year. In total, Albania will receive more than EUR 920 million from the growth plan. The growth plan will also bring other results, you are on the way to become part of the unique euro payment area. This means that money transfers will be safer and faster,” Von der Leyen said.

Renewable energy and energy efficiency projects were also part of the discussions, as well as the importance of Albania’s inclusion in the euro payment area, which will facilitate financial transactions.

“You know that the EU has started working on carbon neutrality until 2050, however this should not be a big challenge for you because you are a leader in this field. That is why we are working with you on projects that can strengthen this field, such as the Vau de Deja hydroelectric plant. We also have a project of 50 million euros for energy efficiency that we use for charging stations for electric cars”, said Von der Leyen.