Regional Summit on Growth Plan in Tirana held today

The regional summit on the Development and Convergence Plan, with the focus of the Western Balkans' integration towards the European Union, is held Thursday in Tirana, as well as implementation of the Western Balkans' Growth Plan.

This summit is held one day after that Ukraine- Southeast Europe in the Albanian capital and will provide new opportunities for an exchange of views on the region's European future and on joint regional challenges.

European Union Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborship Oliver Warhely will also be present at the summit.

The arrival of leaders at the summit will take place at the Convention Palace by 09:30. The opening words are delivered by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Commissioner Oliver Varhely at 09:45. Family photos will take place by 10:45. The agreement's signing takes place at 12: 00 a.m., and the press conference is 12:30.

Otherwise, the EU's Plan for the Western Balkans aims at the region's economic growth, accelerating needed reforms, and conducting investments that can advance the EU enlargement process with these countries.

The Western Balkan Enlargement Plan is based on four main pillars: Increasing economic integration with the European Union's Unic Market, increasing economic integration within the Western Balkans through the Joint Regional Market, accelerating fundamental reforms and increasing financial assistance.

The European Union will open specific areas of the EU's common market for Western Balkan partners before membership, bringing tangible benefits to its citizens.