Tirana Hosts the First EU–Western Balkans Investment Forum

The first EU–Western Balkans Investment Forum opened today in Tirana. The event brought together regional political leaders, major investors, and business executives for a strategic dialogue aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and investment opportunities between the Western Balkan countries — Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia — and the European Union (EU) member states.
On the forum’s opening day, Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who launched her regional tour from Tirana.
The official welcoming ceremony took place on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. This was followed by a one-on-one meeting between Prime Minister Rama and President von der Leyen at the Prime Minister’s Office. Later, the two delegations met.
Then, the two leaders held a joint press conference. During the conference, Prime Minister Rama announced that Albania had received positive feedback regarding its reform progress.
“We discussed the progress of Albania’s EU accession negotiations, which, as I also understood from the president, are proceeding very well and rapidly. We also talked about the EU’s new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, an initiative led by President von der Leyen. This plan gives each country the opportunity to receive EU funding based on its advancement of reforms and achievement of related objectives. I am very pleased that we received a very positive evaluation on this point as well,” stated Prime Minister Rama.
President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a clear message: Albania is on the right path toward EU membership.
“My first message is very clear: Albania is on the right path toward the EU. You have come a long way and made impressive progress at record speed, especially in the past three years,” she said, highlighting Albania’s ambition to conclude negotiations by 2027.
“Five out of six negotiation clusters are open, and we plan to open the last one this autumn. I am well aware of your personal efforts, Mr. Prime Minister, as well as those of your team. Your goal is to conclude negotiations by 2027, which is ambitious. We appreciate ambition,” she added.
After the press conference, Prime Minister Rama and President von der Leyen officially opened the two-day Investment Forum at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana.
During his speech, Prime Minister Rama urged the creation of a joint EU–Western Balkans roadmap to promote the region’s integration.
“The Western Balkans are not a problem to be solved, but rather a solution waiting to be realized. Let us work together to create a roadmap that aligns our incentives with your priorities, responds to your needs with our reforms, and matches our ambitions with the European level,” he emphasized.
The Forum marks a strategic milestone in the economic integration of the Western Balkans with the European Union. The Forum provides opportunities to attract foreign direct investment, promote innovation, and accelerate regional economic integration, thereby fostering sustainable economic development across the region.
As part of the forum, several letters of intent were exchanged, paving the way for future agreements of mutual interest between countries.