TIRANA, May 21 /ATA/ – It is high time for opening the EU accession negotiations with Albania.
This is what Colin Wolfe, Head of Western Balkans Regional Cooperation in the Directorate General for Neighbourhood & Enlargement Negotiations, European Commission, said in an interview with DW.
In his remarks, Wolfe said that regional cooperation is a process that goes ahead, then stalls, there is no progress every step of the way and this is normal.
Wolfe said that connectivity is an important part of the Berlin Process, from Vienna Summit. It is crucial not only for infrastructure and physical connection in the region, but also for what it stands for. It came from people’s discussions, from civil society. There are two other issues: strategy for the Western Balkans, which was published in February, is dedicated to youth. When speaking about the main concerns of people in the Western Balkans, they include the youth of the region, such as employment, education, opportunities, chances o achieve more fulfilled lives.
With regard to regional cooperation, Wolfe said that regional cooperation is a process that moves forward, stalls, so it does not progress all the time, and this is normal. I think that as long as political leaders have accepted the fact that they have many common goals and have to speak about the European prospect is one of the achievements. Another one is that they have understood the responsibility of each country towards practical issues such as regional cooperation and have recognized the importance of cooperation. In Sarajeva summit last year, for the first time in the region, political leaders gave extremely positive signals for a real political commitment. If you want me to be more specific, you mentioned the Trieste summit last year. Commitments in economic field in the region. It sounds like bureaucratic, yet it is important to show that we are breaking down the trade barriers to make way for other important reforms that facilitate cooperation, mobility, the climate of doing business among the regional countries. There is a great commitment to innovative ideas, start-ups, smart growth which includes a digital component with each country offering its contribution. At this point the Council of Regional Cooperation has a key role play in all stages and in the action plan. Development of regional businesses is crucial for employment, economic growth, prosperity in order for people to build their future in the region.
In reply to the question that European Council will decide in its meeting at the end of June on the opening of accession negotiations with Albania and Macedonia, Wolfe said: The European Commission drafted the reports, recommended the opening of accession negotiations on the basis of evidence. The Commission has recognized the work done. They are the conclusions of the European Council but also the opinions of EESC.
However, the fact that Commission has given the recommendation is a milestone in itself that lays the basis for discussion. The assessment/ judgement has been made. Right now discussions become more intensive until the decision is taken.
What the Western Balkans has to say is that time is ripe for decision-making.
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