TIRANA, Oct 13 /ATA/ During her speech at the inaugural European Union – Western Balkans Investment Forum held in Tirana, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that citizens and businesses in the region are increasingly experiencing the tangible benefits of the EU in their everyday lives.
She particularly highlighted Albania’s accession to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), noting that transactions with EU member states have become faster and are now conducted without any fees.
“One year ago, I traveled to Albania and the wider region with a promise that the people and businesses of the Western Balkans would start to experience the European Union in their everyday lives, and that they would feel the advantages of advancing together.”
“Over the past year, this has truly happened. I clearly remember when you, dear Edi, shared Albania’s ambition to join SEPA. My team said it would require significant work and time, but in less than two years, you made it a reality. Transaction fees used to be six times higher,” Von der Leyen remarked.
She stated, “Joining SEPA will save your companies 500 million euros annually. This is real money.”
“This means experiencing the EU, on the European continent, in everyday life! Progress not just on paper, but in reality. Thanks to the great work of leaders like you, Edi, and the persistence this change is happening for the Albanian people right now,” Von der Leyen expressed.
Von der Leyen added that “this example clearly demonstrates that the Western Balkans is firmly progressing on its pathway to EU membership, and we fully recognize the economic implications of this process.”
The President of the European Commission highlighted the significant economic growth of EU member countries and urged investors to seize the current opportunity to invest in the Western Balkans.
Von der Leyen went on saying that Poland’s economy grew threefold in under thirty years, while Croatia saw its unemployment rate drop from 17% to 4% within just ten years. She emphasized that similar progress is expected throughout the Western Balkans, not in the distant future, but soon, as their economies are inclined to see rapid growth. She added that the Growth Plan was adopted precisely to support this trajectory, with the goal of doubling the region’s GDP in the next decade.
Addressing the business community, Von der Leyen stated that choosing the Western Balkans means choosing Europe.
She added, “We will sign 10 important business agreements, and tomorrow you will discuss 24 additional potential investments, which together could bring more than 4 billion euros in new investments to the region.”
/sm/
