TIRANA, October 21 – Germany’s top diplomat says Western Balkan states are taking a vital step toward EU accession by facilitating a common regional market. Among the moves discussed at a Berlin meeting was visa-free travel in the region.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Friday welcomed pending agreements by Western Balkan countries that would make it possible for people to travel between them without visas and have their university diplomas and professional qualifications mutually recognized.
“These three agreements clear the way for the creation of a common regional market of the Western Balkans,” Baerbock said as quoted by DW.
“By setting up this market, you are taking an important step forward in the EU accession process,” she said.
Baerbock also described the agreements as an important signal for peace as Russia continues its illegitimate invasion of Ukraine.
The deals would be formally signed at a Western Balkans leaders’ summit in Berlin in November, she said. /rAgumentum.al
