(ANSA) - BRUXELLES, 09 OTT - Two joint action plans on counter-terrorism were signed today in Brussels by the EU with Albania and North Macedonia. The priority actions endorsed include: stepping up efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism, including by training local practitioners, addressing terrorist content online and amending legislation on anti-money laundering.

The Commissioner for Migration, Dimitris Avramopoulos, signed the two agreements with the Home Ministers of Tirana and Skopje, Sander Lleshaj and Oliver Spasovski. Thus, the action plan for the fight against terrorism in the Western Balkans, signed in October 2018 with all six partners, becomes operational.

In a few days the EU leaders will gather at the European Council (on 17-18th October) to have their final say on the opening of accession negotiations for Tirana and Skopje. (ANSA).