Economic benefits / Von der Leyen: Albania has received 213 million euros, bank fees fell by 90% with SEPA membership, procedures begin for free roaming

During the joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, praised Albania’s progress in implementing reforms and stressed the continued financial support from the European Union. She confirmed that Albania has already received over 213 million euros and that further packages are expected to be disbursed in the coming weeks.

One of the main achievements highlighted by the European official was Albania’s membership in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), which is bringing immediate relief to the private sector:

“You have become part of SEPA, remember, last year, which is the Single Euro Payments Area. SEPA has the potential to save Western Balkan companies 500 million euros a year, because transaction fees, that is commissions, are greatly reduced. And already in Albania these commissions have fallen by more than 90%. So, it is a really tangible advantage for Albanian businesses,” she said.

The initiative for free roaming with the European Union

Alongside financial market integration, the European Commission is also focusing on improving digital communication and citizen mobility, setting as a priority the reduction and ultimately the abolition of roaming charges.

Von der Leyen called for the acceleration of the negotiations related to this process, giving a direct commitment:

“The second issue we are working on is the reduction of roaming charges. I promise you that if you negotiate successfully with us and with the companies, I will return precisely on the day when we start free roaming here in Albania.”

Business cooperation and attracting investment

In the third point of her remarks, the President of the Commission focused on deepening cooperation between European businesses and Albanian or regional ones. She recalled the results of the first investment conference between the Western Balkans and the European Union, held last year, highlighting its success in generating funds for economic development.

“4 billion euros were mobilized in new agreements for the region, this is a really very good thing. And I wish you the same success for the second edition of this conference, which I am told will be organized in November,” she emphasized.