About 100 delegations from the European Union, its Member States and partners, including international organisations and civil society gathered in Brussels at the International Donors’ Conference to mobilise support for Albania after the devastating earthquake of 26 November 2019.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen hosting the event said: “Today the international community stood in solidarity with Albania. A third of the overall pledge comes from the European Union and its Member States, including the European Investment Bank. The whole European Union mobilised for a country that is at the heart of our continent – and that I hope and I am convinced one day will also be part of our Union. The people of Albania know that they belong in our European family – now more than ever.”
Out of the €1.15 billion total pledged, the European Union including the Commission, its Member States and the European Investment Bank announced €400 million for the reconstruction of Albania. The European Commission has pledged €115 million from the EU budget. This includes a first €15 million grant to reconstruct and rehabilitate key public buildings such as schools, signed by President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Rama, to allow the rapid start of support on the ground.
The Commission is further making a proposal to the Council and Parliament for an additional €100 million in grants from the EU budget this year to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of public and private buildings as well as the recovery of affected businesses.
Original source: European Commission
Published on 17 February 2020
