Within the framework of the Berlin Process, Tirana hosted the Ministerial Forum titled “Common Regional Market – a Step towards the EU Single Market”, with the participation of over 20 high-level delegations of Economy Ministers from the EU and the region.
In his speech, Albanian Prime Minister Rama highlighted the importance of regional cooperation for integrating the Western Balkans into the European Union’s economic sphere.
“By working together, we can achieve more in a common market. It’s time to think beyond our current boundaries. This is precisely what we aim to accomplish with this summit, and it reflects the sentiment we’re hearing in our discussions with our allies. I had the pleasure of engaging in a very productive conversation yesterday with our friend from the French Government. This conversation, which would have been unimaginable five years ago, underscores the changing landscape. It’s encouraging to see a stronger commitment within the EU and greater recognition of the Western Balkans’ significance for the European Union. The EU needs the Western Balkans just as much as the Western Balkans need the EU. We are gathered here to discuss the core themes of this process, which include bolstering our economies and becoming part of the EU’s economic sphere,” said the Prime Minister.
According to him, the removal of trade barriers between countries has benefited 6,000 trading companies.
“We have witnessed 6,000 trading companies reaping the rewards of trade promotion initiatives. The elimination of all non-tariff barriers, coupled with collaborative events involving trading companies, has especially facilitated access to the EU market. Our collective efforts are aimed at tangible benefits on the ground, providing more advantages for people who require the freedom to move and for companies seeking to transport their goods,” Rama emphasized.
Ines Muçostepa, President of the Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Board in the Western Balkans for the EU, disclosed that 6,000 companies in the Western Balkans are fully prepared and have met the necessary criteria to invest in the European Union.
Muçostepa stressed that the EU should extend assistance to the Western Balkans in light of the challenges posed by the pandemic, the energy crisis, and the situation in Ukraine.
“The pandemic, energy crisis, and the conflict in Ukraine have had an impact on the regional economy, leading to some nations being excluded from the market. Therefore, it is imperative that the Western Balkans receive assistance, given their wealth and the natural resources that can support new projects. Europe must recognize the potential of the Western Balkans and establish an all-encompassing development program. As Prime Minister Rama noted, over 6,000 companies in the Western Balkans have met the criteria and are prepared for access to the European market. One critical mechanism that the Western Balkans has successfully fulfilled is the fund for regional cooperation, which enhances the quality of education and vocational training, thus preparing young people for employment opportunities. I extend my gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Economics in Germany and the European Bank. As the President of the EU has pointed out, the future of the Western Balkans lies within the EU,” Muçostepa emphasized.
France’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Affairs Olivier Becht stressed the need for swift progress in the plan for Europe’s growth. Becht also underscored the necessity of expediting relations between the Western Balkans and EU member states.
“We must accelerate this process. It necessitates more economic collaboration and integration throughout the region. Two aspects are interlinked; larger companies often lack the resources to explore new markets. Our primary objective is to expedite connections between the Western Balkans and EU nations. This will alleviate challenges for the private sector and accelerate the EU accession process,” Becht stated.
