The United States says it supports the Western Balkans’ efforts to strengthen economic integration and calls on the Kosovo Government to approach the regional economic integration efforts with an “open mind”.

“Ultimately, the Government of Kosovo must decide which initiatives it will join and which ones best support its economic vision. However, we encourage the government to approach regional economic integration efforts with an open mind and to embrace solutions that work for Kosovars as they improve relations with their neighbors,” a US Embassy spokesman told Radio Free Europe. Pristina, answering questions regarding the refusal of the Government of Kosovo to join the “Open Balkan” initiative.

Albania, Serbia and North Macedonia are participating in the “Open Balkans” initiative, formerly known as the “mini-Schengen”.
The idea of ​​”mini-Schengen” was presented in Novi Sad, Serbia on October 10, 2019, by the leaders of Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania.

The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic and the Prime Minister of North Macedonia Zoran Zaev, signed a joint statement, which was based on the implementation of the free movement of goods, capital, people and services.

On July 29, 2021, when “mini-Schengen” changed its name during an economic forum in Skopje, Rama, Vucic and Zaev once again invited other countries in the region to join the initiative.

The Government of Kosovo, led by Albin Kurti, thinks that the “mini-Schengen” initiative is a visionless initiative for the region. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Kosovo, Donika Gërvalla has described this initiative as a “dangerous idea”, because according to her, the impression is created that there is an alternative to EU integration.

But the US Embassy in Pristina said a stronger economic and political integration “is essential for lasting peace and prosperity, and will also strengthen Kosovo’s existing efforts to meet the reforms required for future EU accession”.

“We encourage Kosovo to seek opportunities to reduce trade barriers, increase its economic competitiveness and build an integrated region and sustainable economy from which all Kosovars will benefit,” he said.

Kosovo has pledged to join the “mini-Schengen” initiative through the Washington Agreement, signed on September 4, 2020, at the White House.

But this initiative in Pristina, apart from the ruling party, Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje Movement is not supported by the opposition parties Democratic Party of Kosovo, Democratic League of Kosovo and Alliance for the Future of Kosovo.

/Klara Ruci/