Skopje, 16 July 2023 (MIA) - The future of the Open Balkan initiative is bright, including current and planned projects that are important for the citizens and the economy in the region, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski and Serbian counterpart Ana Brnabic on Sunday.

PM Kovachevski said the ultimate goal of the initiative is to remove borders as EU member-states.

"In the past, we were the only countries that had no borders and now we are the only ones in Europe to have them. The ultimate goal and my personal pledge is for the Balkans to be a border-free area. The future of Open Balkan is bright because these countries will one day join the EU and the finale of Open Balkan will be a ceremony promoting the removal of checkpoints and ramps that separate us on both sides of the border," Kovachevski told reporters.

He recalled that the initiative has ensured free movement of people, capital, services and commodities.

PM Brnabic also sees a bright future for Open Balkan, expecting all regional states to join the initiative "that is exceptionally practical".

"The projects offer direct benefits for citizens and economies, initiatives that ensure a bright future for the region, creating conditions that will keep young people here," underlined Brnabic.