TIRANA, Oct 8 /ATA/ “We are proud that the European Union confirms its role as the largest donor in Albania in partnership with the EBRD to support the Albanian government through an investment of EUR 40 million to promote the recovery and economic development of the country,” the ambassador of European Union, in Tirana, Luigi Soreca said.
During the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding with the EBRD in support of Albania’s EU membership and two financing agreements ON tourism and infrastructure improvements in four strategic pillars for the national economy, Soreca assured that EU support for Albania and the Western Balkans will be ongoing.
In this regard, he focused on importance of economic plan presented the day before by the European Union Enlargement Commissioner, Olivér Várhelyi, in Tirana.
“Yesterday was a special day, as the Commissioner was in Tirana not simply to roll out the annual report, but in my view, a visionary investment plan to spur the economy. I agree with the Prime Minister that there is a shift in the approach of the European Union to the region and cooperation in the Western Balkans. This is a unique opportunity. As the Commissioner said, the ball is already in the court of EU and Albania and any technical assistance to develop the best project that can have an impact at the regional level on the infrastructure sector, probably for 4- 5 years to come, can change the landscape of the region,” stressed Soreca.
Reaching this agreement, Soreca said, unlocks a EUR 40million grant from the EU for economic development and tourism program.
“This program has the potential to bolster one of the sectors that was hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial to ensure the progress of the program and expedite the work to regain the momentum to make up for the 2-year delay and the shock it has experienced so far,” he said.
This support is necessary like never before, Soreca said.
“We complement EU support after COVID assistance in 15 million worth of medical equipment to support the government’s response in the social sector and economic recovery,” said the EU ambassador.
He went on saying that a very important program has just kicked off, the post-earthquake phase for EU4Culture reconstruction designed to help the socio-economic recovery, tourism and consequently the country’s economy.
“We look forward to making the program a reality, also in the hope that by the end of the year ADP will open competitive bidding process for more mature projects that will pave the way for strengthening the linkag between tourism and cultural heritage as a source of economic development.” .
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