Milatovic: Open Balkans better than closed Balkans

“The idea of the European Union (EU) arose as an idea of regional economic cooperation between the Benelux countries, Germany, France and Italy. When we talk about European integration here in the Balkans we often forget precisely the importance of our own regional economic integration processes. Advancing relations and regional cooperation is something that, as an economist, I have always advocated,” Milatovic told the weekly NIN commenting on the Open Balkan initiative.

He said EU membership is a top priority, and that “as long as that is our main goal, I see no problem why we wouldn’t at the same time improve our regional economic cooperation.”

“What’s more, I think it is an integral part of our EU integration,” stressed Milatovic.

Asked if he knows Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and whether he had congratulated him on his victory in the Montenegrin presidential vote, Milatovic said he has not had an opportunity to meet him in person.

“I am grateful for the congratulatory letter that I received after winning the presidential elections. We also had a friendly and decent phone conversation. We both expressed readiness to work on advancing cooperation and resolving the issues burdening our region,” said Milatovic.