The European Union on Thursday announced a €1 billion package to support Balkan countries in tackling the energy crisis in Europe as a result of the war in Ukraine.
This was announced by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in the framework of the Berlin Process summit, where she confirmed that in addition to the 500 million in short-term aid announced during her tour of the Balkan countries last week, another 500 million will be added to promote energy diversification and ecological transition.
«The EU continues to support the Balkans, both in good times and in difficult times,» proclaimed Von der Leyen who recalled that Brussels put on the table a package of 3.3 billion during the coronavirus crisis and now proposes an energy plan of 1 billion to protect the most vulnerable groups and boost investments in energy.
Immediately, Brussels will provide 500 million in budget support to Albania, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo, with the idea that the funds will be available in January and allow households and businesses to weather the rise in energy prices.
In the long term, the European Executive will make another 500 million available to the region to advance energy diversification projects, renewables and electricity and gas interconnections in the Balkans.
Meeting on Thursday, the Berlin Process is an initiative of several EU member states, under German leadership, to engage with the six Balkan partners and promote regional cooperation and EU accession in the region.
