“Our first priority should be…”To accelerate the enlargement agenda throughout the Western Balkans” European Commission PresidentUrsula von der Leyen narratedTheWestern BalkansSummit on Monday “Berlin Process”
The German Chancellor hosted the summit Angela MerkelThe eighth meeting brought together the heads of government and state from the Western Balkans with their counterparts from nine EU member countries, including the Prime Minister. Kyriakos MitsoropodosThe United Kingdom and the EU.
The Summit saw the Commission reiterate its commitment to supporting and co-operating in the recovery of the Western Balkans after the pandemic. Economic and investment plan focusing on green and digital transformation investments, smart mobility connections, digital infrastructure, business, and human capital development, and youth.
Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU supports Western Balkans partners’ efforts to implement the reforms are needed “Move forward on their European journey“.
He also highlighted that the Berlin Process was a fertile ground for many initiatives, which have become an integral part EU policy towards the region. He said, “Together, we have begun the path to a more durable and digitally resilient Europe.”
The Neighborhood and Enlargement Commissioner is for his partOliver VarchelliIt is important to stress:
“Today’s summit was focused on the region’s progress integration of the economy“Under the Common Regional Action Plan, since last year’s Sofia 2020 Summit, and the implementation the economic and investment agenda,” said the Commission in a statement. Last autumn, submitted by the Commission
It should also be noted that the initiative was toFacilitate logistics for cross-border transitDuring the pandemic, the so-called“Green Lanes”The company is now entering a new phase.
Greece has shown its willingness to participate in politicsTo approve the extension to the Green Lanes Initiative in the Western Balkans, and its commitment for work towards its implementation at designated border crossing points between Greece (and its neighboring countries in Western Balkans) –Albania. Northern Macedonia.
The Commission also stated that it plans to propose aPackage of 500 Million Euros in Investments for 2021Subject to approval of the new framework for Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance III (IPA III), expected in the next months.
Finally,To facilitate travelThe Commission announced that the EU and countries in the Western Balkans would be able to provide assistance for the respective countries.Technical and financial support for the EU Covid-19 Digital Certificate. The EU has lifted travel restrictions for six Western Balkan countries.
The Berlin Process, which involves the several EU Member States and Germany as the leader, includes the Western Balkans Summit. It promotes cooperation with six Western Balkan partner countries, regional cooperation, and the European perspective for the region.
The Economic and Investment Plan (West Balkans) is the key framework of the Commission’s support for economic recovery in the region, following the announcement of a EUR 3.3 billion financial aid package in 2020 to address the Covid-19 crises and their aftermath.
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The Plan envisions mobilizationUp to 9Billions of EurosGrantsThe new Western Balkans Garant Facility will be used to guarantee loans for seven years and 20 million euros over the next seven.