In a regional meeting held in Tirana, Ambassador Reinout Vos, representing the Kingdom of the Netherlands as the Ambassador of the Low Countries to the Republic of Albania, highlighted the collective challenge of European integration for Albanian society. The event, organized by the National Council for European Integration (NCEI) in collaboration with the European Movement in Albania (EMA), focused on the "Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and its Impact on Accelerating the Reforms in the Rule of Law."
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| In the regional meeting held in Tirana today, Reinout Vos, March 12, 2024 |
Ambassador Vos commenced his speech by emphasizing that European integration is a process that involves all segments of society. It is not merely a governmental or Brussels-centric endeavor but a societal transformation that demands engagement from all. He underlined the crucial role of civil society in understanding and actively participating in this transformative journey.
"I eagerly anticipate the day when we have an Albanian parliament that functions as the heart of democracy. It should indeed be a remarkable day, given the context," Ambassador Vos expressed optimistically.
The ambassador then underscored the significance of the EU's Growth Plan, characterizing it as an excellent financial opportunity exchanged for substantial reforms. The plan, according to Vos, goes beyond financial considerations and delves into broader aspects such as the rule of law, a clear reform agenda, and conditions tied closely together. These decisions must be taken to secure funds in exchange for well-defined reforms. The anticipation is high for Albania to fulfill the necessary reforms.
"The Growth Plan is an excellent financial opportunity. It is the first thing that comes to mind, but we should also consider the other side of the coin. There are conditions, there is a reform agenda, the rule of law, etc., all intricately connected. Decisions need to be made to receive funds in exchange for clear reforms. In fact, we are eagerly awaiting Albania to fulfill these reforms," stated Ambassador Vos.
He further explained that the Growth Plan operates as a budget reconciliation model, a straightforward European practice created during the COVID-19 pandemic. European countries, facing the need for support from Brussels during the pandemic, opted for a Growth Plan format. This support is provided in exchange for measures and actions taken by the government. Ambassador Vos highlighted that this is the standard way the EU functions to be accountable for the funds spent, providing transparency to taxpayers.
"It is essential for the broader public to understand this. The presence of the region here is welcomed. High-level meetings have taken place in Tirana, emphasizing the regional dimension of integration. This is the road to Europe that all countries in the region must follow. We must learn from each other as the challenges are all similar," concluded Ambassador Vos.