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As the Albanian Government approaches the final stages of compiling reforms to be bolstered by the Growth Plan Facility, stakeholders from across the EU, regional bodies, and national governments convened in Tirana to discuss the implications of the Growth Plan on the Common Regional Market. The gathering took place during the inaugural 2024 Berlin Process Spring Event, hosted by the Cooperation and Development Institute (CDI) and supported by the German Federal Foreign Office.
The Growth Plan, a 6 Billion Euro initiative introduced by the European Commission in November 2023, aims to invigorate regional cooperation and enhance the implementation of the Common Regional Market, aligning with EU Single Market regulations.
German Ambassador to Albania, H.E. Mr. Karl Bergner, voiced Germany’s full endorsement of the Growth Plan’s objectives, emphasising its role in fostering closer ties between Western Balkan countries and the EU internal market. He stressed the importance of coordination between the Commission, the Regional Cooperation Council, and the Berlin Process for the plan’s success.
André Rizzo, Chargé d’Affaires of the EU Delegation to Albania, revealed that the Growth Plan is currently under the Trialogue procedure, with a decision expected by April 2024. He expressed optimism about the region’s enthusiastic embrace of the Growth Plan, underscoring its potential to catalyze economic transformation, contingent upon the comprehensive implementation of requisite reforms.
Supported by the German Federal Foreign Office, CDI reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive policy-making and citizen engagement through initiatives such as the “Channeling SEE6 Civil Society Contribution to the Common Regional Market” project.
The Berlin Process Spring Event series continues to serve as a platform for substantive discussions and collaborative efforts towards regional cooperation and integration.
