TIRANA, July 4 /ATA/ Prime Minister Edi Rama stated on Monday from the Netherlands that the “Open Balkan” is also about creating within the region a functioning space of the EU, with the four freedoms: movement of people, capital, goods and services, which is a space of peace.
“Therefore, this will help us to be, to be seen and to be considered as more mature countries to join the EU when the time comes,” Rama told the joint press conference with the Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte.
Rama said that the “Open Balkan” has encouraged Serbia to become part and align with the sanctions against Russia. But, Rama said, it takes time.
“Regarding the Open Balkan, I have spoken with Mark and I have also spoken with other leaders, something I have said publicly. The Balkans is the most vulnerable part of the chain that can be affected and, God forbid, could be broken as a result of the war in Ukraine and on the eastern side. Why? Because Russia holds sway on it. There are some traditional ties, so I believe that we should take Serbia with us and not let it go the other way. So the Open Balkan has helped and so has the attitude to say things, to encourage Serbia to become a part and align with the sanctions, but on the other hand it takes time and this is the right attitude. I also thank Mark for highlighting a point and I’ll conclude here. The Open Balkan is also about creating within the region a functioning space of the EU with the four functional freedoms of movement of people, capital, goods and services, which is a space of peace. Therefore, this will help us to be, to be seen and to be considered as more mature countries to join the EU when the time comes,” Rama said.
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