The “European Union (EU)-Western Balkans Investment Forum” started in Tirana, the capital of Albania.
The forum, which brings together high-level representatives from the region, as well as EU officials and investors from around the world, is being held for the first time.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama also attended the opening of the forum held at the Congress Palace in Tirana.
In her opening speech, Von der Leyen stated that the Western Balkans are moving determinedly towards joining the EU and that they know what this means economically.
Sharing her belief that all countries that are part of the EU have experienced incredible economic growth and that the same will happen in the Western Balkans, von der Leyen stated that the economies in the region are prone to rapid growth and that is why they designed the Western Balkans Growth Plan.
Von der Leyen said: “The Western Balkans Growth Plan aims to double regional gross domestic product (GDP) in the next 10 years, so my message to investors today is very clear; do not miss this opportunity. It is time to invest in the Western Balkans.” he said.
Emphasizing that the future of the Western Balkans is within the EU, von der Leyen said, “Today, we are giving a clear message to the business world; if you choose the Western Balkans, you choose Europe, and this should be our slogan.” he said.
Rama: Western Balkans is a solution waiting to be integrated
Prime Minister Rama also emphasized that the history of Europe and the Western Balkans has been written “based on expectations” for a long time, and said that they never stopped dreaming.
Stating that the Western Balkans can be an area where Europe can test and build the future, Rama said, “Energy, critical raw materials, artificial intelligence infrastructure, advanced technology production; these European value chains can be expanded, diversified and strengthened.” he said.
Rama added that the Western Balkans is not a problem to be solved, but a solution waiting to be integrated.
It will end tomorrow
On the first day of the forum, letters of intent were signed for various projects in the region, which are the precursor to agreements between countries.
The forum, which will continue today and tomorrow, will continue with panel discussions focusing on investment opportunities in the Western Balkans, with the participation of institutions and business representatives from the region and beyond.
The forum, supported by the EU Commission, aims to strengthen economic cooperation and investment opportunities between the Western Balkan countries and EU member states.
According to a statement from the Albanian government, the forum represents a strategic moment in the region’s economic integration with the EU and offers opportunities to attract foreign direct investment, promote innovation and accelerate the economic integration of the Western Balkans.
