TIRANA, April 29/ATA/- The EU has a special responsibility to assist in the crisis our partners in the Western Balkans as their future clearly lies in the EU. Today the European Commission has presented a communication on its overall support to the region in tackling Covid-19 ahead of the WB6 Leaders virtual meeting next week on 6 May, the EU Ambassador to Albania, Luigi Soreca said.
“EU has acted quickly to support the region in addressing Covid-19, with unparalleled financial assistance and access to many EU initiatives. But more will come. Work is ongoing to present later this year an Economic and Investment Plan for the whole region to tackle the socio-economic impact of the crisis, to modernise economies and to support reforms. To bring concrete benefits to the people faster, ” the Ambassador Soreca added.
On Wednesday, April 29 the European Commission is announcing over €3.3 billion of EU financial support mobilised jointly with the European Investment Bank to the benefit of the Western Balkans’ citizens. This package aims to address the immediate health and resulting humanitarian needs of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as help with the social and economic recovery.
In addition to the reinforced support, the Commission is in its contribution ahead of the EU-Western Balkans’ leaders meeting of 6 May 2020 also outlining the broad parameters of longer-term support to be presented later this year in the form of an Economic and Investment Plan for the region. //a.i/
