TIRANA, Nov 21 /ATA/ -By Maela Marini/ Prime Minister Edi Rama opened the “Growth Plan – Our Pathway to the EU” Summit, emphasizing the Western Balkans’ commitment to progress in alignment with the EU Growth Plan as a roadmap.
Rama underscored that the Growth Plan represents not merely a pathway to Brussels, but a roadmap to the freedoms and opportunities inherent in the European Single Market, to which the citizens of the region belong.
“This comes after a time when trains of regional cooperation departed while we remained on the platform, mired in old disputes instead of looking ahead,” he added.
The Prime Minister pointed out that Europe was not built by standing idly by, but through action.
“And we are not here today to delay work or wait for another time, but to share together what belongs to us. To share statements and commitments. They have value only when they impact real life; they matter when they shorten the distance between political life and everyday life,” Rama said.
He noted that people “don’t really experience integration.”
“Instead, they notice lower costs, easier travel, better employment opportunities, and free movement,” Rama added, emphasizing some of the concrete benefits associated with the integration process.
The Prime Minister highlighted the recent agreement concerning roaming tariffs between the Western Balkans and the European Union.
“By 2026, citizens will experience tangible economic benefits. Intra-Western Balkans roaming charges have been removed, and applicable tariffs have been reduced, pending the finalisation of the legal framework in coordination with the European Commission,” stated Prime Minister Rama.
Prime Minister Rama highlighted that Albania is set to initiate talks in early 2026, once harmonization with the EU Acquis is completed it is expected to be ready by April 2026.
“This milestone follows the implementation of SEPA, which has streamlined cross-border payments, enhancing financial fluidity across the region. The removal of roaming charges extends beyond mobile bills—it represents the removal of another artificial barrier to the free movement of citizens within the European Single Market,” Rama stated.
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