Bećirović on regional meetings: It's good to speak the language of economics and mathematics

The trilateral meeting of the Presidents of Serbia and Turkey and the members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, followed by the Serbia-North Macedonia-Albania trilateral on Friday, are good signs, says Zijad Bećirović, Director of the International Institute for Middle Eastern and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) from Ljubljana.

He believes that politicians, pressured by the public, have started working for the benefit of the people "out of fear that they might lose power," Bećirović told N1.

"I think this is a good sign for regional connectivity. Around 80 percent of trade is conducted within the region, and this creates an environment for economic cooperation. If these opportunities are not seized, these countries have no chance. In a political sense, with various foreign policy goals, these countries cannot go it alone. When you act as 4, 5, or 6 countries, then you can achieve something. It's good to speak the language of economics, mathematics, and to think about a better life for citizens," said Bećirović, adding:

"Politicians must create new, better realities. If they have understood that message, then there is hope for the entire region."

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, after the trilateral meeting with the President of Turkey and the Presidency of BiH, stated that an "invisible hand" had so far prevented the building of good relations between BiH and Serbia. Bećirović believes that this "invisible hand" comes from the West.

"When powers feel that relations in the region are going well, they want a piece of the pie. We will again have a situation where, as relations improve, and they are improving, there will be those invisible and visible forces that will try to spoil the prosperity that is in sight. The economy is precisely the reason. The West wants peace here, and they will take care of other things."

Regarding the European integration of the countries in the region, Bećirović stated that the European Union is not fair because it has "looked the other way" for many so far.

"Now, 15 member states do not meet the conditions required of BiH. The EU changes the rules of the game during the match, constantly insisting on new conditions. I think this is an unfair attitude from the EU. I think the EU is exaggerating and harassing the entire region. They must clearly state that the countries of the region will be admitted, they must set a date. I have a feeling that the EU is doing everything to drive us away and leave us in the embrace of other spheres of interest, only to later accuse us of aligning with Russia or Turkey."

He said that Croatia taking over the presidency of the European Union is not good, and that it is a country that does not respect international agreements, borders, or judgments, and as such, it cannot be an example.