German MP in Tirana: “Open Balkan” is just one element, Berlin's process at the top

“I can't exactly say no to the open Balkans, but at the top of this process is the Berlin process”, so said MP Ahmetovic.

The German official stressed that the idea of the Open “Balkan” is not bad, but insisted on moving forward with the Berlin process and the “Open Balkan” initiative being viewed as an element.

The good idea is that the Chancellor has a great interest in the Western Balkans. He has always expressed himself as part of the European family. We'll have a conference for the Berlin process this year. It is a clear message to all Western Balkan countries that Germany will have co-ordination. The idea of the Open Balkans is not bad, it is a good idea. But still at the top of the co-operation we have the Berlin process. And the Open Balkans should be only one element. It is good to talk about the Open Balkans, but these days the Chancellor will hold a meeting with all leaders of the Western Balkans. I cannot absolutely say no to the Open Balkans, but it is only one element, the head of this process is the Berlin” process, Ahmetovic said.

As for the integration process, Ahmetovic said Albania and Macedonia deserve the start of negotiations. He found that today he will hold meetings in northern Macedonia on an important day, where the French proposal for Bulgarian veto will be voted in the Assembly.

I will meet with several members of the North government and partners of our sister, Social Democrat party. I can start with technical elements. Negotiations for Albania and Northern Macedonia could begin.

We need a strong Albania and Macedonia. We had a lot of meetings yesterday. Our socialist partners talked to us about transformation, energy like wind or solar. Albania has great potential. We would like to support you in this kind of way”, the deputy said.