Von Der Leyen gives the news for the Western Balkans: We will appoint a commissioner dedicated to enlargement

2024-09-02 16:48:59Politikë SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Von Der Leyen gives the news for the Western Balkans: We will appoint a
Ursula Von Der Leyen

The integration of the Western Balkans in the European Union is fundamentally important and for this reason it will appoint a commissioner dedicated to enlargement, said the president of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen, at the prime ministers' discussion panel in Bled, Slovenia.

"Expansion should be a full-time job that allows for undivided attention, so he will appoint a commissioner dedicated to expansion. Let's write the future together."

The President of the EC emphasized that talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina may soon begin.

"The integration of the Western Balkans into the EU is fundamentally important. A larger common market increases our competitiveness. It gives us greater purchasing power. Expansion is an investment in collective security. We want a strong competitive and secure Europe and that includes BP, Ukraine and Moldova and all those whose European aspirations match their deeds. We have started talks with Albania and RMV, Ukraine and Moldova, Bosnia may be next in line. I thank Slovenia for the tireless work on this."

She mentioned the growth plan for the Western Balkans and said that a year later the work has given its first effects. According to her, Tirana is the airport with the fastest growth in Europe, while by the end of the year 3 of the Balkan countries can become a common payment space.

"A year ago we presented the growth plan for BP and the work has shown the first effects. You BP leaders should be proud. Tirana is the fastest growing airport in Europe, European companies are settling in Serbia and BiH, Kosovo and its economic reforms have been praised by the IMF and are bringing economic benefits, Montenegro has just experienced an increase in credit rating. Until the end of the year, 3 of you can become part of the common payment space that can lead to savings of over 500,000 euros per year."

During this month, the agenda of reforms from justice to the integration of energy markets related to 6 billion euros of investments will be approved.

"During this month, our 6 partners will approve reform agendas, they have devised several reforms with a profound effect on the justice system, the fight against corruption, public procurement, the integration of energy markets, these are related to 6 billion euros of investments. Any reform will unlock new investments. The EU is in the process of recreating itself in the new geopolitical context and we want our partners in BP to be active in the conversation".


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