By Shqiprim Pula *
Our country is going through one of the most critical stages of its development, which is true, even before, but now specifically with the idea of ’open Balkans’ having supporters and opponents on positive and negative trends on this initiative. It is good to be for change. But, the changes must be analyzed and proposed in advance on many issues, as well as the motives and commitments for them. Therefore, I consider that the reality of the historical future of society not only does not require it, but also does not allow the present to abandon the definition of the pro-Western future.
Our republic must respond to many topics and initiatives that are raised at different times of development, but in addition to the values that must be preserved of the constitutional system. The idea, the ‘open Balkans’ initiative, should necessarily refer to practice as a substantial criterion as a solution for the region and consequently for the signatory states of this initiative. But are the signatory states of this initiative economically equal? NO, because the economies of the signatory states are not even close to equal because the exports in 2020 of the 6 Balkan countries; Albania 2.23 billion, Bosnia 5.36 billion, Kosovo 0.47 billion, Montenegro 0.34 billion, Northern Macedonia 5.58 billion and Serbia 17.05 billion, it is estimated that the 5 countries together have 13.98 billion while Serbia alone has 17.05 billion. Then, to unite around an idea or to unite around an initiative, as intended, first and foremost, you have to be equal because only equals can have a future together.
Of course, the future can always be, but ideas or initiatives such as the ‘open Balkans’ should not call into question the principles of equality. Also, the four substantive principles on which the European Union is built, do not find real and sincere touches with hegemonic states, such as Serbia, so the policies of good neighborliness, and the implementation of the four EU principles as a legal category become fully realized. and equally only when the past is judged and apology is sought, and until then, any idea or initiative, however beautifully presented, will be half-baked and superficial if there is pressure from certain circles on the governments of our countries. In the constitutional and political sense, there can currently be no appropriate legal action on such an initiative, but only action ordered and adapted by politics.
Kosovo should carefully analyze this initiative and certainly should act with a sense of institutional-state responsibility regarding the situation in the country and the region, and why not offer a platform as a solution and options of parallel scrutiny to avoid regional ‘deja vu’.
Like it or not, the protagonists and those who ordered this initiative, without an assembly with Kosovo, respectively its own government, are doomed to fail.
* Expert in International Law and Relations
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