Selaković: “Open Balkan” gives the first results, work on strengthening the initiative

Stating that the initiative had greater support from the United States than from the EU countries, Minister Selaković said in his interview for Pink TV that the Open Balkan initiative came from the Balkan states and their expressed need to cooperate and deepen cooperation based on the free movement of goods, people, services and capital, which were also the fundamental freedoms of the European Union.

Minister Selaković emphasised that the entire Western Balkans had GDP at the level of 0.5 % of the European Union GDP and that it would increase as the result of economic connections in the region.

According to him, economic integration in the region also meant that the open political issues would be discussed much differently.

“Neither instability nor lack of security in this part of Europe will suit anyone. This has been recognised by the leadership of Serbia, North Macedonia, and Albania, and you have seen how it works in difficult times. Serbia was ready to help both North Macedonia and Albania when there was a shortage of basic foodstuffs. That is why we need to continue strengthening the 'Open Balkan' initiative and support all those interested who want to join and enable the free flow of people. It is not just about crossing the borders, but it is about the free movement of labour force and the recognition of work permits”, said Minister Selaković.

He stated that the officials within the “Open Balkan” initiative were looking for what could unite those countries in their common interests, and not only what separated them, and that it was unthinkable to communicate in such a way ten years ago.

“The 'Open Balkan' is based on that, on what we all have in common, so let us try to develop what we have in common because that way we will solve more easily the issues we disagree on and we will manage to understand each other better, even when we disagree. This is something that was not present in Serbian politics before. My opinion and firm belief is that such a way of conducting politics was introduced by Aleksandar Vučić as the Prime Minister, and today as the President. Without a doubt, it is something that provides peace, stability, and economic development, as well as the future not only for us but also for our children", said Minister Selaković.

On the occasion of the upcoming visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Belgrade, Minister Selaković said that the visit was very important as Germany was undoubtedly the number one economic power in the EU, the largest investor, and the largest single donor in Serbia.

Minister Selaković said that the level of our trade and economic exchange exceeded six billion euros last year, that it had multiplied in the last decade, and that German companies in Serbia were currently employing almost 77,000 workers, which was more than in all neighbouring countries combined.

According to him, this testifies to Germany's economic strength, its presence in the region, as well as its economic ties with Serbia.

“Economic connection is accompanied by a certain type of political connection. The messages we are going to hear are probably neither nice nor easy for us, but it is important to talk about them and hear them. We are not in a position to choose in such talks with Germany, it is a great country with its own policy and it does not change its foreign policy course easily", said Minister Selaković.

Minister Selaković emphasised that Serbia managed to show that it was a pillar of stability and peace in this part of Europe, and that this was recognised in the first place by the representatives of the German economy who were continuing to make their investments because they saw that it was bringing profit.

“Vučić's Serbia managed to become that in the eyes of German businessmen, but it does not mean that Germany has changed its foreign policy course when it comes to this part of Europe. The talks with Germany and a certain kind of success in these talks is something that brings Serbia specific conditions for making progress on its European path. Important topics will definitely be discussed, taking into consideration how significant Germany is for us both in the economic and political sense. In these circumstances in the world, it is also important to continue the European path of the Western Balkans. That kind of commitment to the European agenda in Serbia is something that is not called into question, precisely because it is a way to preserve peace and stability in the region”, said Minister Selaković.

Minister Selaković stated that he had received an invitation from Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov to visit Moscow, which he accepted, adding that he could not say yet when that visit would take place.

“Serbia is a country committed to dialogue, and dialogue is healing and can lead to solving problems. As an independent and sovereign state, Serbia is committed to dialogue, especially with its friends”, said Minister Selaković.