Mini-Schengen in the Balkans is a vital step towards the EU
North Macedonia, Albania, and Serbia are on the right path towards a united Europe by deepening regional cooperation. The Republic of Kosovo must absolutely join this positive project. A commentary by Philipp Jauernik and Stefan Haböck, South-East Europe experts of the Paneuropa Movement Austria.
A few weeks ago, the heads of state and government of the South-East European states of North Macedonia, Serbia, and Albania announced the creation of a ‘Schengen Area’ between the three countries – a so-called ‘Mini-Schengen’.
As announced by Aleksandar Vucic, Edi Rama, and Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, this zone is intended to bring massive relief for both citizens and businesses. Accordingly, the freedom of travel and movement of goods would be expanded. Joint border controls would make these more efficient; citizens of the three involved states could thus travel more easily, and companies could transport goods with fewer hurdles. Furthermore, work permits are to be mutually recognised, which in turn will make the region, home to 12 million people, more attractive to investors.
The planned closer cooperation between the states is very welcome. Cooperation instead of confrontation is the right path for the states of South-East Europe to take. This project brings benefits to all citizens and businesses in the region. Greater freedoms create more space for positive developments in South-East Europe. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Kosovo were also invited to join the cooperation. However, Kosovo declined, as Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina do not recognise the independence of the Republic of Kosovo.
Even if concerns in this regard are understandable, it would likely be a mistake in the medium to long term not to participate in this type of regional cooperation. On the one hand, non-participation changes nothing regarding non-recognition. On the other hand, it would send a very poor signal if ultimately five (should Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina join) of the six Western Balkan states unite in such a project and Kosovo is the only country left out. Furthermore, Kosovar citizens are still discriminated against regarding their freedom of travel in Europe. Any project that brings simplification here is therefore good.
With the broken promise of visa liberalisation, several EU states have delivered a slap in the face to Kosovars. At the same time, France’s veto has snubbed the reform-oriented pro-Europeans in North Macedonia. However, failures at the level of EU states must not lead to reforms no longer being carried out in the respective Balkan states. EU accession should not be an end in itself. The rule of law, the elimination of corruption, a market economy, and fundamental freedoms are desirable, whether inside or outside the Union. The states must also show that they are willing to cooperate, to live and work peacefully with their neighbours, and to open up all possibilities for the citizens of their countries.
At the same time, the states of the European Union must honour their commitments, grant Kosovo the promised visa liberalisation, open accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania, support Bosnia and Herzegovina, and bring Serbia and Montenegro, which are already in negotiations, closer to the EU. It remains to be seen how the Mini-Schengen project will be implemented. However, the fact that the states are working on this comprehensive cooperation also demonstrates good will. The EU would be well-advised to act supportively here.
