France: Welcomed Open Balkans if co-ordinated with work within the Berlin Process

“We support strengthening regional co-operation in the Western Balkans, which is vital for economic-Social development and for closer ties with Europe.

This co-operation is set to include the six countries in the region and to continue on European standards and principles. For example, we support the goal of the joint regional market announced at the Sofia Summit under the Berlin Process (10 November 2020).

In this context, the Balkan Open initiative launched on July 29th 2021 by Serbia, Albania and Northern Macedonia offers a welcome opportunity to make progress in this direction, provided it is co-ordinated with the ongoing work under the Berlin Process dealt with a job that should advance on the eve of the upcoming European Union-Western Balkans summit.”, a diplomatic source for the Gazeta Express has said.

The initiative of Albania, Serbia and Northern Macedonia for “Open Balkan” is not being backed by Kosovo, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Kosovo Government head Albin Kurti has said such an initiative is Serbia's effort to open the region to Russia and China.

“Open Balkan” has also turned into a remote crash point between Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Kosovo Executive Chairman Albin Kurti, following a position of Germany's Federal Government regarding the initiative.

Whatever regional co-operation in the Western Balkans is useful. At the same time, it is important that co-operation remain comprehensive and open to all six countries in the region. That's why we strongly support the Action Plan for Common Regional Market”, A German government spokesman had declared for Gazeta Express on August 11th.

Rama has interpreted such an answer as support for “Open Balkan”, until she has confirmed that German advice for inclusion will be followed for all countries. However, it has stated that they can't wait until he's convinced of what they don't realize is the way to the future!

Kurti, meanwhile, has retaliated through a speech that he had written in honour of organising the 100th anniversary HINA Pristina Prime Minister of Albania”, held in Skopje. Kurti has indicated in that speech that only when Albanians are closely related can they open up to each other without taking risks.

“The region gains long-term security and stability only from the condemnation and isolation of criminals, and none of the Albanian politicians should co-operate with crime. Good times are coming for Albanians, but also for our neighbours, because our big partners are more determined than ever to help us in our fight for justice and democracy, but also against the Russian-Chinese negative influences in our cities and in our states, but also in the region.” is part of Kurti's statement issued through a communique by the Office for the Prime Minister's Media./