The ‘Open Balkan’ initiative, pioneered by Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia, just six of the regions countries, could have negative implications symbolically and in terms of genuine cooperation, according to the Rockefeller Brothers Funded study by The Balkan Forum.
Open Balkan, previously called ‘Mini-Schengen’, foresees the easy movement of people and goods throughout member countries. In addition, agreements will facilitate matters such as investments, residence, and recognition of qualifications, while also seeking to improve bilateral relations.
But not everyone is convinced.
A study compiled by the foundation found that while those involved in the initiative say it will run parallel to the Berlin Process and even enhance cooperation, this is not the case.
“The inclusion of half of BB6 in the Open Balkans initiative may have negative implications in the symbolic aspect and real cooperation,” the study found, adding that the initiative risks replacing the purpose of the Common Regional Market, which is a part of the Berlin Process.
“Although the Open Balkans initiative did not necessarily arise out of frustration over enlargement issues, the leaders involved seem to welcome the idea that they do not have to address European standards within it,” the study says.
Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro are currently not part of the process, and they remain sceptical due to fears it would jeopardise their EU path. In the case of Kosovo, concerns about Serbia.
Albin Kurti, prime minister of Kosovo, has openly opposed the initiative and its goals, and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s leadership has said it threatens its independence. Montenegro did appear to be more curious about prospects, but it will likely be placed on the back burner, considering recent political challenges.
The authors claim that “Open Balkans” could further increase the divisions in the Region, especially between Serbia and Kosovo or Montenegro and Serbia, and could increase the divisions between those who remain outside the initiative.
Meanwhile, the EU has been cautious in its comments regarding the initiative, welcoming increased regional cooperation but has expressed inclusion, and the European path must not be forgotten. In the autumn of 2021, the EU’s envoy for Kosovo- Serbia dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, described the initiative as “unhealthy competition” with the EU integration process.
Other sources in Brussels have reiterated the position previously held by the EU that regional cooperation is always welcome. Still, in this case, the project remains deficient as long as it is limited only to Albania, Serbia, and Macedonia.
