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EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans

The EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and participating partners' steps to qualify for its benefits.

7 tracked statements0 events

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Events and statements, in date order.

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  1. Ursula von der Leyen
    Von der Leyen

    European Union

    Direct quote

    “With Albania’s strong progress, I can announce almost €100 million today.”

    Von der Leyen notes the Growth Plan provides single market access and new EU investments and announces almost 100 million euros today for Albania's strong progress.

    Source excerpt

    The Growth Plan provides access to the Single Market and brings new EU investments. In exchange for key reforms. With Albania’s strong progress, I can announce almost €100 million today. Now, it is about staying the course. → link.europa.eu/Hp4W9D

    On financial support for Albania under the Growth Plan.

    BlueskyFull record
  2. Ursula von der Leyen
    Von der Leyen

    European Union

    Statement summary

    Von der Leyen reaffirms commitment to a future where six Western Balkan partners join the EU

    Von der Leyen reaffirms commitment to a future where six Western Balkan partners join the EU and urges Kosovo to build strong institutions and de-escalate tensions.

    Source excerpt

    📍Touchdown in Kosovo. We remain committed to a future where all six Western Balkan partners are part of 🇪🇺 For this, it’s important that Kosovo keeps building strong institutions. De-escalates tensions in the country. Kosovo should also finalise the steps needed to benefit from the Growth Plan.

    BlueskyFull record
  3. Ursula von der Leyen
    Von der Leyen

    European Union

    Statement summary

    Von der Leyen urges Albania to maintain reforms on its path to EU membership

    Von der Leyen urges Albania to maintain reforms on its path to EU membership. Von der Leyen reports that Albania has received 213 million euros through the Growth Plan.

    Source excerpt

    Dear Edi, It is always a pleasure to see you and to be in Tirana. My experience is that Albanians carry Europe in their hearts. It's wonderful to be back. And you have been working hard to turn Albania's European dream into reality. So my first message is simple: the goal is in sight. Albania is among the frontrunners in our accession process. Since I was last here, Albania has made remarkable progress. You opened the final cluster of negotiating chapters. And in July, you closed your first three chapters. Including external relations. This is important progress. It means Albania is fully aligned with our common foreign and security policy. We see the world with the same eyes, and this is very important for the accession process. We stand together when our values and interests are challenged. I also want to convey not only to the Albanian people but also to the European Union citizens...

    European CommissionFull record
  4. Ursula von der Leyen
    Von der Leyen

    European Union

    Direct quote

    “I believe in a European future for Kosovo.”

    Von der Leyen reaffirms her belief in a European future for Kosovo and highlights that Kosovo can receive up to 882 million euro.

    Source excerpt

    Prime Minister Kurti, Dear Albin. Thank you for welcoming me back to Pristina, for the sixth time. Kosovo is going through an important political moment. I want to start with the issue, that you touched upon at the end of your statement, that is understandably at the centre of public attention. Nothing and nobody can rewrite Kosovo's history. 1999 is engraved in Europe's collective memory. The violent repression. The humanitarian crisis. The suffering endured by your people. The EU has stood with you ever since. We have been Kosovo's strongest partner and largest provider of financial assistance. We have been supporting reconstruction. Economic development. Reforms. And the constitution of a modern, democratic Kosovo. A Kosovo whose future is in our Union. The judgment of the Specialist Chambers has caused strong emotions. I appreciate your measured response, and that of other political...

    On Kosovo's path to the European Union.

    European CommissionFull record
  5. Ursula von der Leyen
    Von der Leyen

    European Union

    Direct quote

    “We are working now to close all remaining chapters by the end of this year.”

    Von der Leyen pledges support for Montenegro throughout the final stretch of its EU accession and praises Montenegro for delivering over 90 percent of necessary Growth Plan reforms.

    Source excerpt

    Prime Minister, Dear Milojko, Thank you for welcoming me to Podgorica. Tomorrow morning, we will inaugurate the new National Coordination Centre. And I am looking forward to it. Because it is truly a milestone towards your EU future. This centre gives your border police the means to monitor, exchange information, and coordinate with agencies in the EU. In other words: we are preparing for Montenegro's borders to become European Union borders. This means not only safer borders for Montenegro. But also greater security for Europe as a whole. My first message is this: we believe in Montenegro '28 by 28'. And we will support you all the way. This is why I came to Montenegro already three times this past year. Not only to show my personal support but also to commend Montenegro for the impressive work you have been doing. Montenegro has now provisionally closed more than half of all...

    On closing EU negotiating chapters with Montenegro.

    European CommissionFull record
  6. Ursula von der Leyen
    Von der Leyen

    European Union

    Direct quote

    “So, my first message is this: clearly, you belong with us.”

    Von der Leyen states North Macedonia clearly belongs in the European Union, notes North Macedonia has made the Growth Plan a real success, and announces pre-enlargement policy reviews will be presented next week.

    Source excerpt

    Prime Minister, dear Hristijan, It is very good to be back in Skopje. Thank you very much for the very warm welcome. North Macedonia has shown time and again that it can take bold decisions about its future. The Prespa Agreement was a moment of real political courage with two countries choosing to turn the page and write the next chapter of their history together. It opened the door to NATO membership. Today, North Macedonia is a valued ally. Similarly in the European Union, we are building our security together. You were the first country in the region we signed a Security and Defence Partnership with. The European Peace Facility is at work to modernise your armed forces. And you are also part of the Coalition of the Willing. Because when a friend and fellow European nation came under attack, North Macedonia stood up. And your resolve to support Ukraine has been as strong as our...

    On North Macedonia joining the European Union.

    European CommissionFull record
  7. Ursula von der Leyen
    Von der Leyen

    European Union

    Direct quote

    “North Macedonia has made the Growth Plan a real success.”

    Von der Leyen states North Macedonia has made the Growth Plan a real success and announces more EU investments are coming very soon.

    Source excerpt

    North Macedonia has made the Growth Plan a real success. With more EU investments coming very soon. We are getting closer, also on AI, with our new AI Factory Antenna, called VEZILKA. This is gradual integration at its best ↓ https://t.co/dJt6zywHJj

    On North Macedonia and the Growth Plan.

    XFull record
To be continued. Probably.Back to the beginning