Increased security measures in Tirana for von der Leyen’s visit, boulevard near the Prime Minister’s Office blocked

Tirana is welcoming European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen today as part of her official visit to Albania and her tour of the Western Balkan countries. The European integration process of the countries in the region will be at the center of the meetings.

Because of the visit, the boulevard leading to the area near the Prime Minister’s Office has been blocked. Metal barriers have been installed in the area, while the presence of police officers and water-cannon vehicles has been increased, as seen in footage obtained by BalkanWeb journalist Osman Stafa.

According to the schedule published by the Prime Minister’s Office, von der Leyen is expected to arrive at Prime Minister Edi Rama’s office at around 4:30 p.m. She will then hold a one-on-one meeting with the head of government, which is scheduled to last about one hour.

At the conclusion of the meeting, at around 5:30–6:00 p.m., Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Rama will hold a joint press conference. Details from the talks are expected to be released during the conference.

The stay in Tirana is part of the European Commission president’s tour of four Western Balkan countries, with the main focus being progress in the European integration process.