Skopje, 27 April 2023 (MIA) - European Union Ambassador David Geer said Thursday regional initiatives are not an alternative for EU membership but serve to bring in key players for an open discussion on issues of common interest, while supported by the Union.

"We find ourselves in a time of certain momentum and dynamics. We are constantly saying that goodneighborly relations make a good Euro-integration process, and this is the pillar of Euro-integration. This country has a solid reputation in the region for promoting dialogue, cooperation and security. We witnessed this through the Prespa Forum and now by hosting the Serbia-Kosovo talks," Ambassador Geer told a panel discussion in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Macedonian Diplomacy Day.

Geer noted that North Macedonia has made enormous progress on its Euro-integration path in recent years, culminating with the opening of the negotiating process last July.

"As the country moves forward with the anticipated constitutional changes, I hope these discussions will have an inclusive and tolerant context," said Geer.

The Ambassador said regional cooperation and EU integration should go hand in hand.

"They are complementary and related with the concept we have launched. Now we are discussing a common market on the Western Balkans as an element of integration. This was adopted in Sofia back in 2020, covering digitization, investments, innovations and industrial policies, all that can promote better regional economic integration and EU market integration," said Geer.

He added that the myth for the common Balkan regional market should be busted - that it is not an alternative for EU integration.

"Last week, the Macedonian parliament ratified the free movement of commodities on the regional market. This is very positive and it is important for all players to have a role in a common regional market. This market should be better explained to the public, representing an important instrument for the region's prosperity and stability," said Geer.

According to him, efforts should be invested for digital transformation of the region and improved networking of citizens and businesses.

"Another big practical step will be the expansion of the so-called green lanes at borders, facilitating customs documentation and procedures towards smart transport and sustainable connectivity. Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia all want to improve regional cooperation in the aspect of economic integration through the Open Balkan initiative," underlined Geer.