Klan News: How much funding will the EU provide, and how will it be allocated? Expert reveals details, 25 March 2025

The European Union has allocated a significant amount of aid for the Western Balkan countries through the new Growth Plan. Nirvana Deliu, an expert at the European Movement in Albania (EMA), was invited on Klan News to provide some details regarding how these funds will be spent. She emphasized that the first task for the Western Balkan countries after the approval of the facility is to implement national reform agendas. These are strategic documents in which each country must outline the reforms and priorities that will be supported and financed by the Growth Plan. Deliu explained that for Albania, the national reform agenda covers the period from 2024 to 2027 and includes five priority areas: strengthening the business sector, developing human capital, digitalization, energy transition, and reinforcing the rule of law. The latter, as is well-known, is an important condition set by the European Commission for Albania’s progress in the integration process.

Deliu added that Albania has successfully met the reporting requirements for the period up until the end of 2024, having implemented all the planned measures, which enabled the country to benefit from the first fund from the EU. She also highlighted the importance of agreements signed within the framework of the Berlin Process, which are helping Albania and the region move closer to EU standards. According to Deliu, if Albania becomes a member of the EU, it will automatically integrate into the European Union’s single market, benefiting from the standards and opportunities offered by this integration.

Klan News: How much funding will the EU provide, and how will it be allocated? Expert reveals details, 25 March 2025