European Commission President Von der Leyen: Albania has fulfilled more than 80% of the Growth Plan steps, continue the reforms!

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Albania is doing well with implementing the EU Growth Plan, fulfilling 80% of the planned reforms.

At the joint conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, she announced that the country has so far benefited 213 million euros and that further payments are expected in the coming weeks.

“You undertake reforms so that your companies are competitive in our common markets and your economy is gradually integrated. Albania is doing well as regards the Growth Plan. You have fulfilled 80% of the reforms, you have received 213 million euros in funds and further payments are expected in the coming weeks. We have achieved good results. You have become part of SEPA. We are working to lower roaming charges. It is a good opportunity for people to come closer to each other,” Von der Leyen said.

“And as for businesses, and cooperation between EU businesses and Albanian ones, they are going very well. Our final message is this: enlargement is a two-way process, and the European Union must also be ready to welcome new members. Next week we will have a review on enlargement. We will also set out the roadmaps, so that democratic values and the rule of law continue. Tomorrow we will visit the ‘Emin Duraku’ school. When the earthquake hit the country in 2019, I told you that we would stand by you. 63 schools were reconstructed through our programme,” she stressed.