Western Balkans leaders pledge to speed up reforms for EU growth plan

On Thursday, leaders from Western Balkan countries reached a consensus to expedite regional collaboration, capitalizing on a new European Union financial aid initiative aimed at hastening the path to membership. The EU's proposal involves allocating 6 billion euros (approximately $6.5 billion) to the Balkan states within the next three years, with the objective of doubling the region's economy over the next decade and expediting their accession to the EU. This financial support is contingent on the successful implementation of reforms aligning their economies with EU standards.

While Balkan leaders have expressed enthusiasm for the plan, the formidable challenge lies in effectively implementing the necessary reforms. Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania, the host of the summit in Tirana, described the new growth plan as "a genuinely encouraging outcome resulting from a cordial and transparent exchange of perspectives."