TIRANA — Regional leaders gathered today (21.11) at the Palace of Brigades for the high-level Summit “Growth Plan: Our Pathway to the EU,” reaffirming their joint commitment to accelerated reforms, deeper regional cooperation, and closer integration with the European Union. The event was opened by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, who both underscored that the Western Balkans’ future lies firmly within the European family.
The Summit, structured around two key discussion panels — “Shaping New Initiatives with Benefits for Citizens and Businesses” and “Delivering on Shared Commitments – Results and Acceleration” — is also launching the Regional Roadmap for the Western Balkans, addressing digital alignment, the region’s role in the EU’s AI ecosystem, improved border connectivity, tourism cooperation, and progress toward the Common Regional Market.
Rama: “Europe is not something we wait for — it is something we build.”
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Edi Rama emphasized a renewed spirit of unity and purpose in the region. Speaking to fellow leaders and EU partners, he highlighted that the Western Balkans are “moving forward together with a growth plan as our shared roadmap — not a roadmap to Brussels alone, but to the freedoms and opportunities of the European Single Market.”
Rama outlined seven concrete advances already transforming the region:
1. Ending EU–Western Balkans Roaming by 2026
Building on the removal of internal WB roaming fees, Rama confirmed that negotiations to phase out roaming charges with the EU will begin in early 2026 — a change he described as “another artificial border eliminated.”
2. Full Acquis Alignment by 2026
Albania, he stated, will complete alignment with the EU acquis by April 2026, marking another milestone following the adoption of SEPA, which has drastically reduced transaction costs across the region.
3. Upgrading 16 Priority Border Crossings
Through a new agreement with the European Commission and the World Bank, critical EU–WB and CEFTA border points will be modernized to reduce queues, improve logistics, and increase competitiveness.
4. WiFi4WB: Bringing EU-Level Connectivity Across the Region
A total of 394 municipalities have been selected to receive free public Wi-Fi networks beginning this year — a tangible sign, Rama said, of “Europe felt in the everyday lives” of citizens.
5. An Unprecedented Regional Reform Agenda
More than 618 reform steps have been adopted under the Growth Plan, with 88% currently being implemented — spanning governance, rule of law, public finance, digitalization, and energy.
6. Strategic Infrastructure Integration
Major investment is flowing into critical corridors such as Corridor VIII, which now also serves NATO security priorities. Over €344 million is being directed to rail upgrades, alongside €112 million for new road infrastructure.
7. The Western Balkans as Europe’s “New Investment Frontier”
Recent investment events have produced dozens of agreements and partnerships, demonstrating growing investor confidence. “The Western Balkans are no longer Europe’s problem,” Rama declared. “We are Europe’s opportunity.”
Rama concluded with a confident message: “We are not entering the EU as beggars, but as contributors — to Europe’s security, economy, and future.”
Kos: “Europe cannot be secure without the Western Balkans.”
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos echoed Rama’s tone, stressing the strategic importance of the region and Europe’s readiness to accelerate integration.
Kos noted that while strong progress has been made, reform implementation remains uneven, with two Western Balkan partners yet to begin implementing the Growth Plan. She highlighted that only 10% of the available €1.6 billion has been disbursed so far and warned that nearly €300 million could be at risk if reforms due by June are not completed.
Key priorities she outlined for the next two years include:
- Faster reform adoption to unlock funding
- Advances in digital and energy market integration
- Improved transport links and tourism cooperation
- Accelerated preparation for participation in EU policies and the Single Market
- Stronger regional economic integration, which she said could add 10% growth to WB economies
Kos emphasized that all Western Balkan countries “belong fully and equally in the EU” and that integration must become a lived reality now — not only after accession.
“Your home, Europe, is waiting for you,” Kos concluded. “Let us use the next two years to make the Growth Plan a success and to prepare the ground for your membership as equal states of the European Union.”
A Critical Midpoint for the Growth Plan
With two years of the four-year Growth Plan completed, leaders agreed that the next phase must be marked by accelerated delivery, stronger coordination, and a clear focus on benefits felt directly by citizens and businesses.
From roaming-free communication and integrated digital identity to modernized borders and major infrastructure projects, the initiatives presented in Tirana signal that the Western Balkans’ path to Europe is no longer an aspiration — but a practical, measurable process underway.
/Argumentum.al
