“We are disappointed that the issue of opening the first intergovernmental conferences for Northern Macedonia and Albania has not been resolved, despite strong advocacy and sensible decisions by the Portuguese Presidency and strong European partners.” This was stated by US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Matthew Palmer from Ohrid today at the panel “Towards a better connected and integrated region – what is the risk? How can we get there? ”, Part of the first international conference“ Prespa Forum for Dialogue ”, reports the Macedonian“ Focus ”.
Palmer stressed that the development of the situation affects the investments of the United States and the European Union in the region and contributes to increasing skepticism in the region itself.
“Our geopolitical rivals are aggressively trying to undermine trust in the United States and the European Union, and the region itself calls into question the integrity of our collective commitment,” the US diplomat warned.
Palmer stressed the importance of the historic Prespa Agreement between Northern Macedonia and Greece and the Agreement on Good Neighborly Relations with Bulgaria, which he cited as examples of greater regional commitment by Northern Macedonia for the benefit of its citizens.
“The government of Northern Macedonia is focused on carrying out the necessary political and economic reforms at home, to attract quality investment and to play an active and productive role in regional and economic initiatives. “The government is using its strong partnership with Greece to ensure its own energy security, and we are now on the verge of doing much more than before,” Palmer said.
He mentioned the US role in the region, noting that Washington’s long-standing vision for the Western Balkans has been and will remain focused on a region at peace with itself and its neighbors, a region that is stable, prosperous and integrated into the Euro-Atlantic family.
“What gives me hope is that this is not only the US vision for the Western Balkans, but also almost indistinguishable from what our European allies and partners want. More importantly, however, this is also a vision that is strongly expressed by the countries of the Western Balkans themselves. “This common vision is our collective strength and should serve as a guide as we redouble our efforts to bring the Western Balkans closer to the European Union,” the diplomat said.
He added that this goal must not be forgotten or risked and that joint efforts to complete the idea for the whole of Europe, as part of a strong transatlantic family, must not fail.
“However, despite our shared vision of how important our individual roles can be, we must challenge ourselves to turn the Western Balkans into an engine rather than an object of transatlantic cooperation, in order to have a better connection there given the well-known blockades. “, Commented Palmer.
The American politician noted that regional leaders must take a firm stand for their European future and that the United States believes that the region’s efforts to establish a common regional market are normal steps on the path to EU membership, adding that regional cooperation and economic integration are crucial for countries.
Citing economic reforms, he said the region needs to reform the energy sector, which will not only bring economic benefits but also strengthen regional economic security, given that the region is losing a significant number of highly skilled workers.
Apart from the economy, the citizens of the region are most concerned about corruption. Fighting it is the basis for preserving and strengthening democracy. When political leaders steal from their own citizens and undermine the rule of law and the independent judiciary, economic growth slows, inequality spreads and there is no equal access to services. Therefore, reforms should not be aimed solely at reviving the economy after the coronavirus pandemic. They also need to focus on strengthening democratic institutions to make them more independent and transparent, Palmer said.
He reiterated a recent statement by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, concluding that the EU must stand by its commitments to the region.
“This includes progress in the development of the accession of Northern Macedonia and Albania and the enabling of visa liberalization for Kosovo,” the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs concluded.
– .
