The collection of 1.15 billion euros in earthquake reconstruction and assistance funds for Albania was widely covered by the media in Brussels today, which described it as a surprise made possible by the new leadership of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Meanwhile the next challenge for the EU and the Albanian government remains the well-managing of the fund so the money and efforts reach the people in need.
In this line spoke the EU Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi, in an interview for Top-Channel’s Muhamed Veliu.
“There will be no corruption, it will not be tolerated. We will be involved in the implementation as it is very clear where the biggest needs are, such as in the housing sector and public buildings. We too will focus on that. And of course, if we can modernize and develop these regions in Albania, we will do so. But as I said, we will be very involved in implementing the funds and in ensuring that all our principles and rules are adhered to”, stated the Commissioner.
Prime Minister Edi Rama said something magical happened at the donors’ conference and indeed an EC official said such conferences take normally 6 months to organize “but we did in 6 weeks”. To the skeptics within the EU as to why this conference was needed, was told that Albania is within Europe and will not be left alone.
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