Spasovski: The Open Balkan Initiative for a stable region, peace, cooperation, and economic development

The Minister of Internal Affairs of North Macedonia, Oliver Spasovski, pointed out that too many conflicts and wars had hindered the development of the region, as well as that a positive outcome in relations between Kosovo and Serbia was crucial for the entire region, adding that the Open Balkan initiative, which, he said, was the fruitful ground for historical moves forward, advocated for a stable region, peace, cooperation, and economic development with the aim that one moment the Western Balkans became part of the EU.

Spasovski, in an interview for Politika, answering the question of how the "shaken peace" in Kosovo is reflected in North Macedonia, states that it is clear that security is the basis for the development of every country, as well as the region.

"Too many conflicts and wars have hindered the development of our region and our countries. It is clear that security is the basis for the development of a country, but also of the region. We are tired of being called 'powder kegs'. A positive outcome in the relations between Kosovo and Serbia has a decisive influence on the entire region. The agreement on the normalization of their relationship was assessed as a huge achievement with a regional contribution," Spasovski said.

He adds that it is high time to become an example of a safe region, without open questions, with good neighborly relations and stronger regional cooperation.

"At the end of the day, we all have one goal - to be part of the European family, to implement European values, and to provide a better standard of living," he says.

When asked about the "Open Balkan" initiative, Spasovski says that this initiative stands for a stable region, peace, cooperation, and economic development with the aim that one moment the Western Balkans becomes part of the EU.

"That initiative is a fertile ground for historic moves forward and allows us to facilitate the free movement of people, goods, and services, to open new markets, improve good neighborly relations, and the progress of the region is a step forward towards EU values," he says.

According to him, great conveniences are made possible by the easier flow of goods, and software solutions for electronic passenger control are also being prepared.

With Serbia, North Macedonia signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the governments on measures to improve the movement of people and goods across the common state border, especially Tabanovce - Presevo, reduction of crowds, especially during the tourist season, he reminds and adds that the Protocol on the way of the execution of border checks at the joint border crossing Lojane – Miratovac was signed three months ago.

When asked how satisfied he was with cooperation with Serbia, Spasovski says that the cooperation of all countries is characterized by excellent neighborly relations and the common goal of making the Western Balkans a region of lasting peace, fully integrated into the EU.

"We no longer have open questions, we are building mutual trust, and we cooperate as closest neighbors and truly sincere friends. Cooperation at the police level is also excellent, through the exchange of operational knowledge and joint activities, as well as the suppression of cross-border crime," he said.

He points out that the past period was marked by intensive cooperation through the "Open Balkan" initiative, as well as through the Berlin process, and adds that the two countries have overcome the challenges of the economic and energy crisis bilaterally.

We have signed joint contracts in the field of energy and infrastructure says Spasovski and assesses that this opens up new perspectives.

From an economic point of view, as he says, Serbia is the fourth trading partner of North Macedonia.

"Of course, all that can be improved in order to have even more positive effects for both countries," Spasovski says.