Tirana: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled plans that could mobilize around €4 billion ($4.63 billion) in private sector investments for the Western Balkans, signaling a renewed push to strengthen the region’s economic ties with the European Union. The announcement was made at a high-profile summit in Tirana, Albania, attended by leaders from both EU member states and the six Western Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
Von der Leyen highlighted that the targeted private sector deals, either already signed or currently under negotiation, are designed to accelerate economic development and regional integration. “These investments will unlock opportunities in strategic sectors, create jobs, and help the Western Balkans align more closely with EU standards,” she said. The move is part of the EU’s broader objective to double the region’s economic size within the next decade.
During the summit, ten major business agreements were formalized, while discussions on 24 additional potential projects took place. The deals focus on cutting-edge sectors including artificial intelligence, clean energy, and industrial value chains. According to von der Leyen, strengthening these sectors is vital for integrating the Western Balkans into European supply networks and enhancing regional competitiveness.
The EU has also pledged €6 billion to support the creation of a regional common market, aiming to harmonize trade, transport, and energy systems with EU frameworks. However, the release of these funds is conditional on the Western Balkan countries implementing key reforms and resolving longstanding bilateral disputes, reflecting the EU’s insistence on political and economic stability before fully unlocking its financial support.
Progress toward EU accession remains uneven. Serbia and Montenegro initiated membership talks early, whereas Albania and North Macedonia only began dialogue in 2022. Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with Kosovo, continue to face significant hurdles in meeting EU requirements. Von der Leyen’s announcement underscores the EU’s strategy of leveraging private investments to drive development while maintaining pressure on governments to pursue reforms essential for long-term integration.
This initiative represents a clear signal of the EU’s ongoing commitment to the Western Balkans, aiming to foster stability, attract foreign investment, and create a sustainable pathway toward eventual membership.