13 minutes agoEU competes with US with an economic plan for Balkans following White House agreement
Periskopi(6 years ago)
(6 years ago)The European Union said that many of the projects involved in Washington's agreement on normalising economic relations between Kosovo and Serbia are under way in the Western Balkans. Ana Pisonero, EU spokeswoman for International Partnerships, Neighborship and Enlargement, said in a statement to Radio Free Europe [...]
Some of the projects are new and should be fully assessed in terms of feasibility and compatibility, as well as EU plans for the region”, said Pisonero.
On 4 September in Washington, Kosovo and Serbia have signed agreements on normalising economic relations, in the presence of US President Donald Trump.
These include investments in various road and rail projects, which will connect Pristina and Belgrade.
Under the deal, Kosovo and Serbia will work with the US International Finance and Development Corporation, which will help finance projects.
“We are willing to work with our American partners and welcome their significant financial contribution”, said Pisonero.
This is especially important, as we are working on the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, which will be published this autumn. Its goal is to bring region closer The EU and create jobs that are very necessary to benefit businesses and citizens”.
“Accessibility, especially in transport and energy, green transition, in particular designation of energy production, and digital transformation, including wide internet access, will be the backbone of this plan”, said Pisonero.
The European Union brokers dialogue on normalising relations between Kosovo and Serbia since 2011.
The United States, which has consistently supported the process, has intensified their involvement in recent months.
