On March 16, 2023 the following session of WG V was focused on “Regional cooperation initiatives in Western Balkans – achievements, limitations and their commitment to EU integration”.
Mona Xhexhaj, Executive Director (AIEN), opened the activity with a welcoming speech.
Odeta Barbullushi, Advisor to the Prime Minister and National Coordinator for the Regional Economic Zone gave a brief summary of the objectives and the role of the Common Regional Market. Mrs. Barbullushi provided an overview of the topics discussed at the 2018 Summit, some of which were brought up by Albania. These topics included questions about Albania’s participation in community-wide responses to past crises, its inclusion in trading mechanisms for humanitarian or food crises, and the inclusion of the Balkan corridor or interconnection in a map of Europe’s interconnections. Another significant need was for countries to join common market processes by having better access to financing instruments in areas connected to sustainable development, such as higher education, research, and innovation. Following certification, the University of the Balkans will join the “Alliance of European Countries,” opening up new opportunities for scientific research. During the summit in Tirana, three agreements were made, two of which brought about the mutual recognition of norms and the mutual recognition of professional credentials. Albania is the first country to have completed the legal formalities for these agreements. Barbullushi noted that although there have been numerous actions taken in the institutional and regulatory path, we still haven’t been able to catch up to the standards and economic development of the Balkan nations, necessitating the usage of specific instruments. Regarding the CEFTA-based services sector, Albania is still in the process of enhancing the legal environment for numerous services, such as the elimination of fees or development-related obstacles. Barbullushi underlined that the least developed field for our country is that of investments, because countries view themselves as more competitive, and it is much more difficult to construct a regulatory framework.
Gentjan Skara, from Beder University College conducted an analytical comparison of regional cooperation programs such as CEFTA 200, RCC, the Berlin Process, and the Open Balkans. The discussion then turned to an analysis of the agreements, including CEFTA, which came into impact on December 21, 1992, with a primary focus on the implementation of fair competition and shared free trade among the member nations. The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), which concentrated on five key areas including energy and infrastructure, justice and home affairs, security cooperation, and the development of human capacity, was also affected. Another topic addressed was the Berlin summit, which focused on the advancement of the process to make actual progress during the reform, resolve remaining bilateral, internal concerns, economic boost and regional cooperation for sustainable growth. The Regional Economic Zone Multi-Year Plan, which focuses on trade and its facilitation in goods and services, the alignment of the CEFTA agreement with the EU, the development of investments, and the mobility of students and qualified professionals. The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), which concentrated on five key areas including energy and infrastructure, justice and home affairs, security cooperation, and the development of human capacity, was also affected. Another topic addressed was the Berlin summit, which focused on the advancement of the process to make actual progress during the reform, resolve remaining bilateral and internal concerns, and boost economic and regional cooperation for sustainable growth. During the presentation, it was highlighted that there was some overlap between the Cefta agreement and the Berlin Summit because the areas of focus were similar. There is currently an active regional plan in place, which encompasses the industrial area. The open Balkans were also brought to light, with the main purpose of identifying the best practices to enable barrier-free movement of people, products, and services across Balkan countries. This initiative was initiated by three countries: Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia. During the presentation, an overview of the agreements struck between the member states in a variety of crucial sectors was provided.
Tomas Strazay Director of (RC SFPA) made the point that current events, changes, and modifications have an effect on the security and sustainability component. Mr. Strazay described the development of many models that vary depending on geographical location; they all have the same goals and objectives, but the war has had an impact on how they function. Due to the respective viewpoints, this had also changed the states’ collaboration, which had faded. A presentation about policy advancement and cooperation with European Union countries was provided during Mr. Strazay’s communication. Political assistance to European countries in the areas of transportation and security policy. It was emphasised that the Visegrad countries could not be treated as a block because there were no relevant institutions, which meant that cooperation between them took place on the basis of interests in normal situations, whereas in delicate issues and crisis situations, it can be seen that the states have the same views, thus increasing cooperation. The Visegrad countries have expressed strong support for the Balkan countries’ development. Only Poland is an official participant in the Berlin Summit, although the other four countries support it.At the end of his speech, he highlighted that the interests on which the countries of the grouping are working are so distinct, and the regions on which they focus vary, implying that their collaboration is likewise categorized. Mr. Strazay suggested that another campus be built in Tirana to improve cooperation between Albania and the Visegrad countries. Because the Visegrad nations do not have ready models of cooperation, only a few elements can be used as a guide, one of which was the willingness to agree to the actions taken for Russia.
