The Balkans needs a strategic approach from Europe. This was the main message, Albanian prime Minster Edi Rama told participants in the first day of the Vienna Summit during a Civil Society Forum, where leaders from western Balkans and EU discussed together regional challenges and EU integration process.
“We need to clearly understand that we must stand together or we risk achieving nothing. People are leaving Serbia, Albania, Macedonia, because they have seen the German model and do not want to wait for another ten years to get there. That’s why the process started in Berlin has been a fantastic idea. During this year we achieved more than we have achieved for a long period of time. We are here today with Aleksandar, Prime Minister of Serbia, not something new anymore. No one will talk about it tomorrow, how we looked at each other in the eyes, but will want to hear what we achieved and how much is it going to impact their economic situation. That’s why the Balkans needs a strategic approach from Europe. Last year we received political support, now we a financial one”, Rama told during the meeting, adding that Albania cannot endlessly be a candidate nation.
EU enlargement commissioner, Johannes Hahn, stressed the importance of cooperation between Western Balkans countries with the aim to achieve their common goal, integration and improvement of youth life quality.
Serbian Prime Minister Alekasandar Vucic, emphasized the good relations between Serbia and Albania, thanking his Albanian counterpart for that. During the meeting, Rama and Vucic also promoted the regional cooperation office, an initiative of both Prime Ministers.
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