BELGRADE, Sept 2 /ATA/ – The European Union Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Várhelyi praised the continued strong commitment of the leaders of the Open Balkan initiative to regional cooperation and regional economic integration.
In a statement at official opening of the Open Balkan Summit in Belgrade, the EU Commissioner affirmed his strong support for the Open Balkan initiative since the very beginning, saying that the regional cooperation is the anchor of peace, stability and prosperity for the people in the region and beyond.
“I have supported the Open Balkans Initiative since the beginning, as regional cooperation is the anchor of peace, stability and prosperity for the people in the region and beyond. This is much needed especially in times of crisis,” Várhelyi said.
“With the EU Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans we are offering the region an EUR 29 billion investment package. This has the potential to transform the region and boost its economy to a level of prosperity never seen before,” he stated.
“But a functioning Common Regional Market is also key to maximise the benefits of EU support to your economies and to realise the full potential of the Economic and Investment Plan. You have worked a lot to make it work among all six partners and I understand that you wish to move forward even in smaller circle to the benefit of your economic operators and your citizens,” he added.
“The agreement that was reached last week on the free movement between Serbia and Kosovo gives a sign of hope that the Open Balkans may soon be implemented in the whole region,” the EU Commissioner underlined. Allow me to recall a few principles that would ensure the success of the Open Balkans Initiative. First, it has to be a step on the path to European integration, as the Common Regional Market is intended to be. Second, it needs to remain open to all, in line with European standards and compatible with your regional and international obligations,” he went on saying.
“Third, EU standards must be at the heart of the initiative. Open Balkan agreements that meet EU standards are moving the region forward on the EU path. Therefore, I am ready to help you ensure that actions undertaken in the framework are on the right path and brings you even faster within the EU,” the EU Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Várhelyi concluded.
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