EU–Western Balkans Investment Forum opens in Tirana, calls for a “new horizon” of growth
For the first time, policymakers, investors, and business leaders from the Western Balkans and EU member states gathered in Tirana for the EU–Western Balkans Investment Forum, supported by the European Commission. The event brings together key decision-makers and private sector representatives to boost economic cooperation and attract investment to the region.
Why is this important: The EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans aims to double the region’s GDP within the next decade, marking one of the EU’s most ambitious economic commitments in recent years. At the opening, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on European investors to seize the opportunity: “The time to invest in the Western Balkans is now. Returns are promising, and the future of the region lies within our Union.”
She announced new EU-supported initiatives, including AI factories in North Macedonia and Serbia, and a regional high-speed digital backbone, describing the Western Balkans as a “strategic hub” for Europe’s clean energy transition.
Context: Prime Minister Edi Rama, co-hosting the forum, urged EU leaders to view the Balkans not as a challenge but as a partner in Europe’s growth:
“We are not asking for charity but for vision — the same vision that once united coal and steel for peace can now unite innovation and investment for resilience. Between the Alps and the Aegean, there is still room for Europe to grow — wiser, faster, freer.”
Von der Leyen echoed the message, saying the EU will support the creation of clean energy hubs, battery production facilities, and AI infrastructure, positioning the region as a “digital and green backbone for all of Europe.”
What else: On the first day of the forum, eight major investment agreements were signed.
- 4iG – EAGLE Project: Regional Digital Backbone connecting the Western Balkans with the EU.
- 3CIS – AI Data Centre in Kosovo.
- Swiss Rockets Serbia – Biotech & health innovation investment.
- Greenagro – Agri-Food Biotech Platform in North Macedonia.
- CWP Europe – Renewable energy projects in Albania and Montenegro.
- ElevenEs – Battery mega factory in Serbia.
- Titan Cement Group – Waste-to-heat energy solutions in Albania.
- KfW SAFE Guarantee – Scaling alternative finance for entrepreneurs.
What’s next: On Tuesday, the forum will discuss 24 additional potential investments worth over €4 billion, covering renewable energy, infrastructure, and digital transformation projects across the Western Balkans.
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