Draft Law on the Loan Agreement with the EU/ Balla: We ensure the irreversibility of the Justice Reform

2025-03-13 13:37:00, Politikë CNA

Draft Law on the Loan Agreement with the EU/ Balla: We ensure the

The Minister of State for Parliamentary Relations, Taulant Balla, presented today in the Assembly the draft law for the ratification of the loan agreement between the Republic of Albania, the Bank of Albania and the European Union. This agreement aims to finance the country's reforms and economic integration into the European single market, through a loan of 657.4 million euros and a grant of 264.6 million euros from the EU.

"It is a beautiful coincidence today, while Commissioner Kos is visiting Albania, two very important financial agreements between Albania and the EU are being discussed in the Parliament. They are agreements that focus on or guarantee very large financial support for Albania. Here, on behalf of the government, of this majority, we reiterate our full support for the new justice institutions in their independence. Thanks to this agreement, we will continue to guarantee funds for SPAK and GJKKO to advance justice reform. For us, guaranteeing the irreversibility of justice reform is fundamental. One party swears that, far be it, if the people trust Gjuzi, Jenisher, the leaders of the "great sultan", imagine if they overthrow the justice reform. Therefore, the EU continues to strongly support the Albanian state and the Albanian government to further strengthen the independence of justice institutions", said Balla.

This funding is part of the new growth plan for the Western Balkans, which will provide financial support of up to 6 billion euros to countries in the region in the period 2024-2027.

To benefit from this assistance, Albania has adopted the National Reform Agenda 2024-2027, which sets out the main priorities as:

- Increasing economic competitiveness and investments.

- Development of human capital and education.

- Digital transformation and improvement of public services.

- Consolidation of green energy and integration into the EU energy market.

- Strengthening the rule of law and the fight against corruption.

Balla informed the Assembly that this new development initiative is expected to provide financial support of up to 6 billion euros for the period 2024-2027 to the six Western Balkan countries, as support through its four pillars:

1. Integration into the European Union's single market.

2. Regional integration.

3. Accelerated integration through national growth reforms.

4. Financial instrument for reforms and growth in the Western Balkans.

Balla requested consensus from all deputies for the approval of this agreement. /CNA