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[INTERNATIONAL] · Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia · 27 sources

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Ursula von der Leyen begins Western Balkans tour in Albania FAST-MOVING

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has launched a three-day tour of the Western Balkans, beginning in Albania on September 30. The tour includes visits to Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, while Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina are excluded due to upcoming elections.

In Albania, von der Leyen met with President Bajram Begaj and Prime Minister Edi Rama. She praised Albania's progress toward EU standards, noting that the country has opened all 33 negotiation chapters and is a leader in the integration process. The Albanian government aims to conclude negotiations by 2027 and join the EU by the end of the decade.

The tour focuses on accelerating regional integration through the single European market and the 6 billion euro Western Balkans Growth Plan for 2024-2027. For Albania, this includes 922.1 million euros in grants and preferential loans. Discussions also addressed judicial reforms, anti-corruption efforts, and the rule of law, which von der Leyen identified as critical for sustained progress.

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Albania · Bajram Begaj · Edi Rama · European Commission · Ursula von der Leyen · Western Balkans

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