Tirana, 29 February 2024 (MIA) - European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi told Thursday's EU-Western Balkans summit in Tirana that the Growth Plan is ambitious and it will double the region's economy. 

"Western Balkans should be integrated into the EU. The EU must offer all the benefits that membership brings, before you become part of the EU. It is an ambitious plan. We have half the time to implement it, we are confident that you will be able to reap the benefits of this plan. But for this to go forward, we also need the region to go forward and that means to deliver on the reforms that are necessary to make this plan functioning and functional. You can become part of the market, even before becoming member states," said Várhelyi, Ora News reports.

The Growth Plan promises financial aid and a faster road to membership in return for necessary reforms.