TIRANA, July 1 /ATA/ The conference of Western Balkan leaders and senior representatives of the European Union, dedicated to the Growth Plan for the region, is presently underway in Skopje, North Macedonia. The agenda features discussions on economic cooperation, reforms, and the advancement of integration towards the Regional Common Market.
The European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, stated in her speech that this process is not for governments, but for the people.
Prime Minister Edi Rama affirmed that Albania remains committed to regional cooperation and believes that the country is closer than ever to European Union membership.
“We are very proud of having fulfilled all objectives and our work continues apace to implement the remaining items in accordance with the established timetable. We have never been so close to realizing a centuries-old aspiration. The Growth Plan provides a clear framework, and itis imperative that we honor our commitments alongside our partners. This Plan serves as an additional mechanism underpinning the process of gradual integration, which is actively underway. Albania is making significant progress,” Prime Minister Rama remarked in a media briefing.

This meeting takes place on the first day of Denmark’s assumption of the rotating Presidency of the European Union.

The discussions revolve around evaluating the Growth Plan, exploring new initiative proposals, and boosting economic cooperation through the Regional Common Market. These issues are being addressed in two dedicated panels. The first, titled “The Growth Plan: Evaluation, Next Steps, and Communication,” will provide a thorough review of the plan across all its pillars and focus on initiatives under Pillar 1—covering Tourism, Consumer Protection, and the so-called “Highway” of the Common Market—alongside their links to the Regional Common Market.

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