Germany's envoy for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, expressed his concern on Thursday in Pristina with the lack of readiness for compromises, which, as he said, would enable the achievement of an ambitious turn for the Western Balkans within the framework of the Berlin Process.
He made these comments at the end of a visit to Pristina, while he warned that next week he will stay in several places in the region as part of the preparations for the next meeting of the Berlin Process, which is expected to be held on October 14. He said that until the meeting, concrete actions are needed that help the progress of countries in the region that aspire to European integration.
“But, for this we need compromise and sometimes even willingness to make concessions on the reconciliation of political agreements that are not easy for Serbia nor for Kosovo”, said Mr. Sarrazin, in a press conference, in which he refused to answer journalists' questions.
The Berlin Process is an initiative launched in 2014 by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, with the aim of deepening the coordination between the countries of the Western Balkans as well as supporting the accession process of this region to the European Union.
“Five years ago, the idea of a common regional market was thrown, and with the European Union growth plan, the idea is to gather the six countries of the Western Balkans, with the principle of equal partners, together towards the European Union. For this we need regional cooperation and we need concrete results for all the citizens of the countries of the Western Balkans. Results that show that borders are becoming less important and trade, economic progress and cooperation are important in this direction”, said Mr. Sarrazin.
The creation of a Common Regional Market occupies a central place in the Western Balkans Growth Plan, which the European Commission unveiled last November, which aims to support reforms in this region as well as investments in their infrastructure. The Berlin process has positioned the Common Regional Market at the center of the EU Enlargement process with the countries of the Western Balkans.
“If we do not have better results before the summit on October 14, I am worried that we will not achieve our goal of giving a strong signal that regional cooperation, the common market and the Berlin Process is the format that can bring concrete results in this region for citizens on the ground”, he said.
Mr. Sarrazin called on the region's leaders to do “everything possible to demonstrate a willingness to compromise” to achieve results for the freedom of movement of goods, people, money and trade in the region.
