Albania gets €213m as EU reviews reforms

Albania has received €213m from the European Union after a review of reforms linked to its EU accession process.

The money is part of a €922m package under the Western Balkans Growth Plan.

EU and Albanian officials reviewed progress in Tirana on reforms covering business, energy, digital services, infrastructure and the rule of law.

Albania has completed 21 of 41 reform steps in the first reporting period and 12 of 21 in the second.

The European Commission said Albania was one of the strongest performers in the Western Balkans.

Brussels said future payments will depend on continued reform progress.

The EU is also monitoring about 150 ongoing projects in Albania through pre-accession funds.