On the 29th of February 2024, a momentous gathering took place in Tirana, Albania, as leaders from the region convened for the EU-Western Balkans summit. The summit was dedicated to advancing the integration of the Western Balkans towards the European Union and implementing the Growth Plan for the region. It provided a platform for fruitful discussions on the European future of the Western Balkans and addressing common regional challenges.

The summit in Tirana presented a unique opportunity for leaders to reaffirm their dedication to the enlargement process, strengthen regional cooperation, and lay the groundwork for a more prosperous and stable future for the Western Balkans. By deepening ties with the EU and implementing the Growth Plan, the region stands to benefit from increased economic development, infrastructure investment, and social progress.

Throughout the summit, participants explored avenues to enhance political dialogue, promote good governance, and accelerate reforms aligned with EU standards and values. By fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, the EU and the Western Balkans sought to build a robust partnership based on shared objectives and mutual benefits.

The Western Balkans Growth Plan is structured around four main pillars:

1. Increasing economic integration with the Single Market of the European Union: The plan seeks to deepen economic ties between the Western Balkans and the EU, paving the way for enhanced trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
2. Increasing economic integration within the Western Balkans through the Common Regional Market: By fostering closer economic collaboration among the Western Balkan countries, the plan aims to create a more robust and interconnected regional economy.
3. Acceleration of fundamental reforms: The plan calls for swift and effective reforms in key areas such as the rule of law, governance, and economic governance to align with EU standards and values.
4. Increasing financial assistance: The EU is committed to providing financial support to the Western Balkans to facilitate the implementation of reforms, infrastructure projects, and other initiatives that promote economic development and regional stability.

One of the significant outcomes of the EU's plan is the opening of certain sectors of the EU common market to Western Balkan partners before full membership. This move is expected to bring tangible benefits to the citizens of the region, creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic growth.

The summit in Albania served as a platform for fruitful discussions, exchange of ideas, and strategic planning to advance the EU enlargement process and deepen regional cooperation in the Western Balkans. As the region moves forward on its journey towards European integration, the summit symbolizes a renewed commitment to shared prosperity, stability, and unity in the Western Balkans.