Speaking at the first EU–Western Balkans Investment Forum, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on entrepreneurs to invest in the Western Balkans.
“If you choose the Western Balkans, you choose Europe,” she said, adding that AI (Artificial Intelligence) factories will be built in North Macedonia and Serbia, with plans to later expand such operations throughout the Western Balkans.
“All the countries that have joined the EU have experienced incredible economic growth. Think about the wave of accessions. The same will happen for the Western Balkans. Your economies will grow rapidly. We adopted this plan for that very reason. The EU is opening its economic sectors to your businesses.
Do not let this opportunity pass you by — the time to invest in the Western Balkans is now. And I am glad to see so many of you ready to seize the business opportunities created by closer integration. In a short while, we will sign 10 important business agreements. Tomorrow, you will discuss 24 potential investments. Local companies will grow thanks to European investments.
If you choose the Western Balkans, you choose Europe. We will open our AI factories in the Western Balkans. We will begin with the establishment of two factories — in North Macedonia and in Serbia — and then expand across the region. The Union’s computing power will be at your service. I want the future of AI to be made in Europe, and I want the Western Balkans to be at its heart,” said Ursula von der Leyen.
