In the joint conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, while the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is in Albania, she said that their objective is to bring investments.
Von der Leyen underlined that they are focused on recovering from the pandemic and strengthening the economy.
“Albania’s future is in the EU. We are friends and we are also partners. I know it has been a long way. We have to hold the first intergovernmental conference.
Tirana was also chosen as the city of youth of 2022. It is our youth. Not only with schools, but also with our cooperation for these common advantages we have.
Initially it is the recovery from the pandemic, but also the strengthening of the economy. For vaccinations here, the Europe team will continue to stand by you.
We had a difficult start in the beginning, we are aware of that. We know that vaccines save lives. It is the vaccination we need because it will help us overcome the pandemic.
This is an issue we hear, trust is very important. We too can help you rebuild this trust, and EU funding can be used for that trust.
Albania has become part of the EU platform for the Covid certificate. Let me congratulate you. This is a big step. In terms of recovery we have invested significantly. Albania has received 230 million euros to help you with the economic recovery.
Now we must look to the future. So investment that will make possible a recovery that lasts for years. Young people deserve a better future. They need jobs that are well paid. This is our plan for BP and we have put 9 billion euros on the table.
You are the ones who make proposals for quality and solid projects so that we can bring even more than 20 billion euros of other investments. We will also propose an additional 600 million euros for this year.
We are working with each other. To create jobs and connect the region. For Albania, we will make possible the connection of the railway, Tirana-Durres with Podgorica. We will also rehabilitate Fierza, “she said.
The EC President stressed out that Albania’s future is in the EU. She also stated that has been made a progress with the reforms, but must continue to move forward as important tasks to start the process of opening negotiations.
“Albania’s future will be in the EU and there is no doubt. You need to move forward with the negotiations as soon as possible. We have discussed and are working to start membership talks. I really want this process to move forward and have the opportunity to start before the end of the year.
The region needs cooperation and reconciliation. Rising tensions between Kosovo and Serbia are worrying. It is essential to reduce this tension and have dialogue.
The EU was also built on the basis of dialogue in its infancy. This is a long process, which brings a future of peace and prosperity. I would like to congratulate Albania on its progress in the Justice Reform.
I want to congratulate you on all this work that has been done and on the progress in the fight against organized crime, it has been a great success.
“Consolidation of this history is crucial and I look forward to continued work in this direction,” said the EC President. / abcnews.al
