EEAS: OBI full effects only if truly inclusive

The Berlin Process and the Open Balkan Initiative (OBI) are compatible because the results of the Berlin Process have contributed to the results of the OBI, said EEAS and added: “Regional integration, based on EU rules and truly inclusive, can bring tangible benefits for the Western Balkans and for the European Union. This is why the EU cares strongly about regional cooperation”.

The EEAS said it welcomes that the participants of the Open Balkans Initiative are committed to promoting increased regional integration, but that “it remains however clear that the greatest benefits will come at six.”

Noting that the lack of progress in implementing the Common regional market has withheld important gains, particularly for business, investors and consumers, the EEAS said that “the WB leaders need to make progress on the implementation of the Common Regional Market, established at the Sofia Summit of the Berlin Process in 2020, with the constructive engagement of all parties. This is important to realize the full benefits of regional integration, to make the best possible use of the investments under Economic and Investment Plan and to better link the entire region to the EU’s Single Market.”

“In this context, while the priority remains to advance on Common Regional Market, the Open Balkan initiative has the potential to accelerate the economic integration of the region, if it is done in an inclusive manner and based on EU rules and norms and the 4 freedoms of the EU’s Single Market,” said the EEAS.

“We encourage the participants to make full use of the existing structures, such as CEFTA and the Regional Cooperation Council to make use of the expertise and knowledge. The EU will continue to support the Regional Co-operation Council, CEFTA, the Transport and Energy Communities in bringing benefits to the whole WB and beyond through enhanced regional cooperation,” said the EEAS.

“The EU’s Economic and Investment Plan of up to 30 billion in investments is an integral part of the support to the Western Balkans on the path to the EU, with benefits for both the region and the EU.

Successful regional economic integration will help to pave the way to a deeper economic integration with the EU single market and help reaching the ultimate goal, EU accession”, the EEAS said.