During a joint conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that €1.4 billion has been mobilized for investments in Albania, emphasizing a strong focus on clean energy transition.
Von der Leyen outlined a comprehensive plan that includes €50 million earmarked for energy efficiency initiatives, the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and the introduction of electric buses in Tirana. She praised Albania’s leadership in renewable energy and expressed confidence that the country is well-positioned to tackle the challenges associated with this transition.
She highlighted specific projects, such as the Vau te Deja hydropower plant, noted as the first of its kind in the region. “It is important that our partners are part of this initiative, but for Albania, it will not be a very big challenge because you are a leader in this field,” von der Leyen stated.
Additionally, she spoke about the innovative European College Campus project, commending Prime Minister Rama for his vision. “We will officially open the academic year for the first group of students. These young people are the new leaders of Europe, and this means that the future of Europe is being shaped with these young people in Albania,” she emphasized.
This investment initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to supporting sustainable development and fostering the next generation of leaders in the region.