Tirana is ready to welcome the Berlin Process Summit, which is landing in Albania for the first time.<\/p>\n
The significant event on October 16 is an opportunity for the Western Balkan countries to seek more funding from the European Union on their path towards membership.<\/p>\n
This was emphasized by Prime Minister Edi Rama, who was a guest on the \u201cInside Albania\u201d podcast with journalist Alice Taylor. Rama unveiled some of the things that can be expected from this summit.<\/p>\n
\u201cUrsula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will present a new economic growth plan for the Western Balkan countries as a result of the extensive efforts and essential discussions we have had with Brussels to somewhat depart from traditional methods in approaching the membership process. Until now, the traditional process has been as follows: if you start negotiations or gain candidate status, you have access to some small programs. To have access to larger programs, you need to be a member. It cannot continue like this. On one hand, we need more financial support, and on the other hand, we need access to the unified market, which would help us. This will be the main topic of that day, and I believe this will be a summit where deliverables will be very important,\u201d Rama expressed.<\/p>\n
According to the Prime Minister, there are several drafts prepared by the European Union for this summit.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have seen some drafts that are constantly refined. I believe the drafts are still being refined, and within a few days, we will know exactly not only what but also how the mechanism will function,\u201d clarified the Prime Minister.<\/p>\n