Germany closer to Balkan, Bieber and Partosh comment Merkel’s visit

Top Channel: Why is the interest of Germany for Balkan increasing only now?

Florian Bieber: I think this is mostly based in understanding that the EU enlargement is not working properly for the moment. For this reason, we see some member countries involved in this matter. Some countries are taking a leading role. One of them is Germany, which has understood that it is not important to only push forward an enlargement process, but that also there are other players in this history, shch as Russia. We know that the relations between EU and Russia have deteriorated and that Russia might play a negative role in the region. It is important to send a clear message that with reforms and a better regional cooperation, these countries could advance with their path towards the EU, and that there are no other alternatives. Germany and the EU want the region to be in the EU. Europe does not see as a problem Russian investors approaching to Balkan. The problem stays to the fear of application of the authoritarian government model in the region, which we have seen in Macedonia where Russia is supporting the current government. Not that they are in favor of Russia, but because they look closer to that Russian authoritarianism. This is why the role of Russia in the region is seen as negative.

Gabriel Partosh, analyst for the region at “The Economist Intelligent Unit” in London, has this comment for Merkel’s visit in the region.

“The importance of this visit is related to the fact that Germany is taking a more pro-active role in Western Balkan. We saw this with the Berlin Conference. Germany is giving the right encouragement for the reforms in these countries of the region, so that they can accelerate the EU accession. I think that this visit is included in the efforts that I mentioned, that Germany is taking a pro-active role in the region”, Partosh declared.

Top Channel: Why has Germany increased their role now?

Gabriel Partosh: Because no one in Europe has the will to do this, even the USA, who are busy with the Middle East developments. The European Union is full of internal problems, such as Greece and Britain. This situation removes the attention from Balkan, except for the Germans, who, despite the problems with the EU, at least have the energy to deal with Balkan too. Why now? Especially since the past year. I think that this is related to the danger that the EU faces, especially the integration of aspiring countries, who are losing hope, as it happened with Macedona, a country that has been waiting for ever, being a candidate for the past 10 years. Germans think that this might be the case to end the delays with the EU, guaranteeing that the process for Kosovo might be reached. That’s why Merkel will visit Belgrade and Tirana, which, in this case, takes a special importance. Merkel wants to guarantee that Serbs will keep their promsies and will contribute in normalizing the relations. On the other hand, Albania must play a responsible role with the Albanians of Kosovo, of Macedonia and others in the region.

Top Channel: Merkel’s visit in Tirana makes it the third meeting of Rama and Merkel in one year. Do you think Merkel is looking for a regional leader and could Rama be up for this role?

Gabriel Partosh: She has no choice in this case. Rama could be one of the leaders. For Germany and the region, Serbia is definitely important. One of the strongest countries and that has some kind of flirt in distance with Russia. Merkel wants guarantee that Serbia will not leave the European path. Vucic is seen as a pragmatic Prime Minister. I wouldn’t bet everything on Edi Rama for what you asked. But certainly, for Merkel, Rama is an important figure, together with Vucic.

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