Bregu: RCC supports all initiatives contributing to the creation of a single market in our region

OHRID, (Patria) – “The Regional Cooperation Council supports all initiatives that contribute to the creation of a single market in our region, modeled after that of the European Union, based on the four fundamental freedoms. Such initiatives should fully emulate European Union models, in a way that creates a springboard for our complete integration into the Union,” said the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, Majlinda Bregu, after the meeting of Western Balkan leaders in Ohrid today.

“We urgently need to work on decisively removing barriers in our region. This summer, at the Summit in Poznan, the Regional Cooperation Council presented the idea of travelling across the region with identity cards, and therefore we welcome all sincere initiatives regarding liberalization processes, whether in transport, trade, movement of people, digitalization, or any other area, because there is no more room for protectionism here. The Council is ready to continue and intensify work on the implementation of the multi-year plan for the Regional Economic Area, and even more than that, in a comprehensive form,” said Bregu, adding that every initiative for the economic development of the region, which originated from the region and is directed towards it, represents a fundamental understanding of the nature and benefits of regional cooperation.

“We expect this process to outline a vision, provide new dynamics, and accelerate the upgrade and initiative-taking around a new, improved plan for the Regional Economic Area and the future of the Berlin Process. This initiative has the potential to be of key importance in creating a new methodology for accession to the European Union, and the decision to support all six economies, with the secretariats of CEFTA and the Transport Community also included in the discussions,” concluded Bregu.

Participants of the meeting discussed initiatives for removing barriers to the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people throughout the entire region. In addition to the leaders from the Western Balkans and representatives of the RCC, the meeting was also attended by representatives of the European Union, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank, and the European Investment Bank. The next meeting is scheduled for December 21 in Durrës.