The Open Balkan summit opened today in Albania, with Prime Minister Edi Rama extending an invitation to join the initiative to Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
Rama was joined by Serbian President Aleksander Vucic and Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev in Elbasan after the event was moved from Tirana over security fears. Last night a protest was held in the capital’s center, and the Serbian flag was set on fire.
Agreements on the table today include those that will facilitate free movement, trade, and residence for each respective country.
“The agreements that will be signed will set an important step forward towards our goal; to guarantee the complete freedom of movement of people, goods, capital and services,” Rama said in his opening speech, adding, “let me repeat my call for everyone to join.”
So far, Kosovo, Montenegro and BiH have refused to take part over fears it could hinder their EU accession.
“Open Balkans’ is an inclusive initiative and certainly encouraging the other three in the region to be part of this effort. As we move forward for the best of our people,” Rama added.
He noted that Open Balkan is a part of the Berlin process and is a milestone on the road to EU accession and prepares the occupied countries for EU integration.
Addressing concerns that the EU may not favour the initiative, Rama introduced Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi and asked him, “Does the EU support Open Balkan?”
Varhelyi answered, “I have always been very positive towards this proposal… You must continue to promote this initiative… I admire how strongly you feel about this initiative.”
He added that, “We in the EU think that according to EU rules, any regional cooperation is welcome, and for the benefit of both parties… I invited the other three partners to return to regional cooperation because not only does it increase business opportunities, but it offers increased employment and can change the realities on the ground.”
In his opening speech, Vucic reiterated the call for other countries to join the initiative, adding that it is “laying the foundations for the future of our children.”
“The goal is to connect people with each other. For people to be able to interact with each other. Last night during a meeting with businesses, I saw a great desire of them to do business in Serbia or Northern Macedonia; I also know Serbian businessmen who want to invest in Albania and Northern Macedonia. The same goes for tourists,” he said.
Zaev noted that it would be his last Open Balkan meeting, likely due to his pledge to step down as prime minister.
In his speech, he said the initiative shows the three countries will “not be held hostage in the EU integration process.”
“The Open Balkan’s has brought us together as three great leaders; this is a great friendship we have been able to develop together. This initiative is for the good of our citizens and is an instrument to let go of our troubled past.”
