a minute agoUS: Kosovo to approach regional economic integration with open mind
Periskopi(5 years ago)
(5 years ago)The United States of America says it supports Western Balkans' efforts to strengthen economic integration and call on the Government of Kosovo to approach “open-minded” efforts for regional economic integration. “After all, the Kosovo government must decide which initiatives it will join and which [...]
“After all, the Kosovo government must decide which initiatives it will join and which best supports its economic vision. However, we encourage the government to approach efforts for open-minded regional economic integration and embrace solutions that produce results for Kosovars as they improve reports with its neighbours”, an American Embassy spokesman in Pristina told Radio Free Europe, answering questions about the Kosovo Government's refusal to join the “Balcani Open” (Open Balkan).
At the “Open Balkans initiative”, formerly known as “mini-Zeneni”, Albania, Serbia and Northern Macedonia participate.
The idea of <x0mini-Shengen” was presented in Novi Sad of Serbia on 10 October 2019 by leaders of Serbia, Northern Macedonia and Albania.
Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama, Serbia's president, Aleksandar Vuciq and Northern Macedonia Prime Minister Zoran Zaev signed a joint statement based on the implementation of the free movement of goods, capital, people and services.
On July 29th 2021, when <x0mini-Shengeni” changed its name during an economic forum in Skopje, Rama, Vuciq and Zaev once again invited other countries in the region to join the initiative.
The Kosovo government, led by Albin Kurti, thinks that the “mini-Shengen” initiative is without vision for the region. Kosovo Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Donika Grovalla has named the initiative a dangerous “ide”, because according to her, the impression that there is an alternative for EU integration.
But, the American Embassy in Pristina said stronger economic and political integration “is essential for lasting peace and prosperity, and will also strengthen Kosovo's existing efforts to meet reforms required for EU accession in the future”.
“We encourage Kosovo to seek opportunities to reduce trade barriers, increase its economic competitiveness and build an integrated region and stable economy that will benefit all Kosovars”, the American Embassy's response reported.
Kosovo has pledged to join the “mini-Shengen initiative” through the Washington Agreement, signed on September 4, 2020, at the White House.
But this initiative in Pristina, except for the ruling party, Albin Kurti's Vetevendosje Movement, is not supported by opposition parties the Democratic Party of Kosovo, the Democratic League of Kosovo and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo.
