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EU grants 136.2 million euros to Albania for the rehabilitation of the Vorë-Hani i Hotit railway

by AI | 29.Jul 2024 | Europe in brief AI

Financed through grants and loans from the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) by the EBRD and the European Development Bank, the project will reconnect Albania with the region and EU networks, improve the way Albanians travel, and promote tourism through efficient and climate-friendly transport

Signing of the grant for the rehabilitation of the Vorë-Hani I Hoti railway (Photo: EU Delegation in Tirana)

Albania signed with the European Union the largest EU grant to date.

The EU offered 136.2 million euros for the rehabilitation of the Vorë-Hani I Hotit railway line, calling the signing a significant milestone for Albania.

This transformative project will renew 120 km of railway infrastructure and 12 stations and make train travel faster, safer, and greener.

With a total project cost of 373.1 million euros, including electrification, this investment shows the EU’s commitment to the development of Albania.

Funded through grants and loans from the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) by the EBRD and the European Development Bank, the project will reconnect Albania with the region and EU networks, improve how Albanians travel, and promote tourism through efficient and climate-friendly transport.

“Connecting people is at the core of the European idea. The EU’s largest investment in Albania will reconnect Albanians with the rest of the region and Europe via train,” said the EU ambassador to Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, during the ceremony.

According to him, the investment is part of the EU’s strategy to extend the EU’s Trans-European Transport Network to the Western Balkans region, promoting domestic travel and international tourism and supporting the socio-economic development of Albania.

“We expect the project to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of transport in the region, in line with the goals of the EU’s Green Deal,” said EU ambassador Silvio Gonzato./ (July 29)