In an interview with VOA, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council Majlinda Bregu says that any idea that strengthens regional cooperation should be welcomed.

Mrs. Bregu made the comments in response to a question about the attitude of the body she leads, about the so-called Open Balkans initiative.

“It is up to us to keep an open opportunity to welcome and consider ideas that are present in the region. This does not mean that the region becomes better, more competitive and manages to attract more foreign investment being only three countries. It is always better to have 6 seats. The final goal, regardless of the speed and lane that countries choose to walk, is for the 6 economies of the region to be together under one umbrella, which is called the common regional market “, said Mrs. Bregu.

The Open Balkans, an initiative of the prime ministers of Albania and North Macedonia, as well as the President of Serbia, has not found the support of Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. The Prime Minister of Kosovo said that this initiative is more like an open Balkans for influences from the East, an open Balkans for autocracy, corruption, and the war criminals who continue, as he said, to be not only free in Serbia, but even in power.

Mrs. Bregu also talks about the concerns raised recently by the United States, about a delay in the European integration process of the Balkan countries. Analysts say delays could add room for growing influence of China and Russia, putting the United States and the West in competition.

/Klara Ruci/