(ANSA) - BRUXELLES, 02 MAR - "I am pleased to announce that by the end of this month, there will be the first delivery of AstraZeneca vaccines for Albania through Covax," the mechanism launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) to guarantee vaccine supplies for countries of low-middle income. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi said after the meeting of the EU-Albania Association and Stabilization Council.

"We are working night and day to get vaccines for the Balkans through Covax and other initiatives. It is our priority," said the commissioner, underlining the difficulties that the EU itself has encountered in procuring the necessary doses.

Varhelyi added that "Europe wishes to be part of the region's economic recovery and in particular of Albania. This country had to face unprecedented challenges, including the pandemic, but also the earthquake that hit the country in November 2019." Finally, the commissioner remarked "the significant commitment" to support local economic recovery through the financial and investment plan for the Western Balkans. (ANSA).