ABC News – Brdo-Brijuni Summit, importance for integration, Deliu: Special focus on the Growth Plan for Western Balkan countries, October 6, 2025

Invited to ABC News to analyse the progress of Western Balkan countries, Nirvana Deliu, expert on the European integration process at the European Movement in Albania (EMA), offered an in-depth commentary on the Brdo-Brijuni Summit and its development in Albania. Deliu emphasized the importance of holding this meeting in Albania, as it brings together the presidents of the Western Balkan countries and directly relates to the region’s progress toward EU integration. The focus of this summit, she noted, is on the European future of the Western Balkans, regional cooperation, the strengthening of dialogue, and the new Growth Plan, under which €6 billion are expected to be allocated to the six countries that are still not EU members. Furthermore, Deliu viewed Albania’s hosting of the summit positively, arguing that the country acts as a partner, collaborator, and trusted ally for all international partners. In conclusion, Deliu highlighted Albania’s progress so far, pointing to the opening of 5 out of 6 negotiating clusters (with Cluster 5 – Agriculture, Resources, and Cohesion still pending), the implementation of reforms and legislative changes across all fields, and the fulfillment of all set criteria. She also underlined the significance of progress in Cluster 1 – Fundamentals, which includes the strengthening of democratic institutions, the rule of law, and related areas.

ABC News – Brdo-Brijuni Summit, importance for integration, Deliu: Special focus on the Growth Plan for Western Balkan countries, October 6, 2025