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Statement of the German Ambassador for the Western Balkans: The Open Balkans should not duplicate the Berlin process

2022-10-11 08:35:32Politikë SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Statement of the German Ambassador for the Western Balkans: The Open Balkans
Susanne Schűtz

In an interview with DW, Germany's charge d'affaires for the Western Balkans expresses optimism about the liberalization of visas for Kosovo and tells about her expectations from the upcoming summit of the Berlin Process.

Deutsche Welle: Ms. Ambassador, what was the purpose of your visit to Tirana this time?

Susanne Schűtz: This time I came to have political talks with representatives of the government, the opposition, also civil society, as well as to hold the annual political consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania.

What are the messages that you conveyed during the talks that you just mentioned?

We are very aware in Germany, in Europe but also in this region, that the world is no longer the same after February 24. The fact that Russia is waiting for the regression of the war against Ukraine has increased the feeling of insecurity in the Western Balkans as well. And of course we are aware that all of Europe, but especially here, in this region, will have increased economic challenges. Therefore, we are very happy that in the background of this war, the EU and also its partners in the Western Balkans, have shown great unity in condemning the war. I must say that we have very much welcomed that Albania, but also Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia have been very clear and agreed 100 percent with the EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus

Your visit this time to Tirana took place on the eve of the Summit of the 6 countries of the Western Balkans, within the framework of the Berlin Process on November 3, in Berlin. How would you characterize the current situation in the 6 countries of the Western Balkans?

We are very happy that on July 19, Albania started negotiations for EU membership. This is truly a historic moment on Albania's path to becoming a member of the EU. And we are also very happy that North Macedonia was finally given the green light, because it was an important signal for the rest of the region, that the EU enlargement process is still dynamic and that the promise given to the 6 states of the Western Balkans to become a member of the EU, is a reality.

We are convinced of this and we will make it happen. You mentioned the Berlin Process and we are very happy that the German government of Chancellor Scholz has taken up this initiative and will continue it. For two years the Berlin Process took place only in virtual format and this year for the first time, there will be meetings again at the ministerial level, of the ministers of foreign affairs, those of the economy and internal affairs. And on November 3 will be the summit of the Berlin Process, of heads of state and government. We will continue with the initiatives undertaken within the Berlin Process, since its beginning, especially with the interconnection agenda, the interconnection of people, youth and civil society.

There will also be other initiatives such as those in energy, security and solidarity and also with the continuation of the EU's green agenda. A very important topic, at the very top of the agenda of the Berlin Process, is the achievement of the Common Regional Market agreement that was drawn up in 2020, but which is still awaiting progress in the 4 agreements, which have not yet been signed for due to disputes between Kosovo and Serbia. But I can say that we are working hard to overcome the remaining problems in the next few weeks, so that the Common Regional Market becomes applicable to all people in the region. We are very sure that it will be very useful for everyone: to travel with identity cards, to recognize professional degrees and also academic qualifications.

So you are optimistic that on October 13 the Council of the EU will come out with a positive decision on the liberalization of visas for Kosovo?

Yes, on October 13, in Brussels, there will be a meeting of the visa working group. We are very happy that the Commission will present a technical update of its report regarding visa liberalization for Kosovo. This time we count the support of all member states. Germany is very supportive of visa liberalization for Kosovo. This is even stated in the coalition agreement of our government. We see that now there is also support from countries like France, so we hope that by the end of the year all EU member states will give the political green light to move forward with visa liberalization and it will be a matter of practical implementation. Field. We want to see that this promise that the EU gave years ago is fulfilled now for all citizens of Kosovo.

Let me go back to the Berlin Process. We have two initiatives: the Berlin Process and the Open Balkans, the latter as an attempt to implement the Berlin Process in everyday life. Do you think that by operating both of these initiatives the results will be faster or do you think that the countries of the Western Balkans need a unified cooperation mechanism?

The Berlin Process was created as a platform for the 6 states of the Western Balkans, to act as a catalyst to accelerate their integration into the EU and of course, regional integration as well. We believe that inclusiveness of all 6 states is very important. The Open Balkans is so far an initiative that works in three countries. We are that inclusiveness in the process is important and that there should not be a duplication, but should work hand in hand. It is also very important that all agreements finalized in the Open Balkans initiative are in line with the EU acquis because if not, later on it will be more difficult to reformat them according to standards and regulations of the EU.

We are talking about the Berlin process, about the Common Regional Market. Meanwhile, the flight of human capital continues in the region. For example, Albania has the highest percentage of emigration among the countries of the Western Balkans. More than 1 million Albanians have emigrated so far. How do you think this phenomenon can be stopped?

Of course, the right conditions must be created here in Albania, for people to stay, to see that the future for them and their children is here, in Albania, in the region. You know that Germany has worked for years as one of the largest bilateral donors to support Albania in creating the right economic conditions and in the field of education, we have worked in the adult education sector. We try to support Albania, but of course, apparently, more efforts are required, initiatives from the government itself to ensure the right employment opportunities for people, that employment is based on merit, and that the fight against corruption is taken very seriously and actively.

What would be the message that Germany and the EU would convey to the government of Rama, the government of Albania for its initiative regarding the government's plans for a fiscal amnesty without the obligation to declare the sources of money?

It is very important that Albania will now work very closely with the Commission and the member states, in order to advance the EU accession process. As far as legislative initiatives are concerned, they must, as before, be in line with EU rules and regulations. Regarding the fiscal amnesty, the EU is conducting close consultations with the Albanian government, and has made experts available to advise Albania on this legislative initiative. We think that Albania should closely follow the EU's advice on the design of this initiative./ Interviewed by Ani Ruci/ DW


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