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{{Short description|Economic zone formed by a regional organization in Southeastern Europe}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Infobox geopolitical organization
{{Cleanup rewrite|date=September 2020}}
| conventional_long_name = Open Balkan
{{Tone|date=September 2020}}
| native_name = {{native name list|tag1=sq|name1=Ballkani i Hapur|tag2=mk|name2=Отворен Балкан|tag3=sr|name3=Отворени Балкан}}
| image_symbol = Open Balkan Logo.png
| symbol_type = Logo
| symbol_width = 160px
| image_map = Open Balkan map.svg
| map_caption = {{smaller|{{legend inline|Green|Member states}}<br />{{legend inline|#aaf0d1|Potential member states}}}}
| membership = {{unbulleted list|{{ALB}}|{{NMK}}|{{SRB}}}}
| admin_center_type = Administrative centers
| admin_center = {{unbulleted list|[[Tirana]]|[[Skopje]]|[[Belgrade]]}}
| languages_type = [[Official language]]s
| languages = {{unbulleted list|[[Albanian language|Albanian]]|[[Macedonian language|Macedonian]]|[[Serbian language|Serbian]]}}
| established = 29 July 2021
| area_km2 = 131.935
| population_estimate = 10,885,829
| population_estimate_year = 2024
| GDP_nominal_year = 2024
| GDP_nominal = $159.418 billion
| GDP_PPP_per_capita = $24,974
| GDP_PPP = $381.425 billion
| HDI =
| HDI_year =
| currency = {{unbulleted list|{{flagicon|ALB}} [[Albanian lek|Lek]]|{{flagicon|MKD}} [[Macedonian denar|Denar]]|{{flagicon|SRB}} [[Serbian dinar|Dinar]]}}
| time_zone = [[UTC+01:00]]
}}
}}
[[File:European Union Western Balkans.svg|thumb|Western Balkans map]]
The '''Mini Schengen Zone''' is an Economic Zone between [[Serbia]], [[Albania]] and [[North Macedonia]]. It was declared on October 10, 2019 in [[Novi Sad]]. Two more meetings were held, one in [[Ohrid]] on November 11, 2019 and the other in [[Durres]] on December 12, 2019. The three countries declared that they will form a unified market of 12 million people until the end of 2020. With this Union, goods between these three countries will flow quicker, people from these countries will be able to cross the border with ID only, and more than 30 million hours will be saved between the borders of these three countries every year. This economic Zone is preparing countries to become members of the [[European Union]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/three-countries-agree-mini-schengen-in-the-balkans/|title=Three countries agree mini Schengen in the Balkans|last=Simić|first=Julija|date=2019-10-11|website=www.euractiv.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-04-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.euronews.com/2019/11/11/western-balkan-leaders-plot-their-own-mini-schengen-zone|title=Western Balkan leaders plot their own 'mini-Schengen' zone|last=Holroyd|first=Matthew|date=2019-11-11|website=euronews|language=en|access-date=2020-04-25}}</ref>


The '''Open Balkan''' is an economic and political zone of three member states in the [[Balkans]], those being [[Albania]], [[North Macedonia]] and [[Serbia]]. The zone has a total area of {{convert|131,935|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} and an estimated total population of almost 12{{nbsp}}million located in Central and Southern Europe. The official languages are [[Albanian language|Albanian]], [[Macedonian language|Macedonian]] and [[Serbian language|Serbian]]. Its administrative centres are the cities of [[Belgrade]], [[Skopje]] and [[Tirana]]. With the establishment of the zone, all three member states aim to increase [[trade]] and [[cooperation]] as well as improve bilateral relations.
*{{flag|Serbia}}
*{{flag|Albania}}
*{{flag|North Macedonia}}
==Economy and Cities==
The GDP of these countries united would be $79.613 bilion, GDP PPP would be $211.971 bilion. GDP per capita would be $6,694, GDP PPP per capita would be $17,700.[[Albania]] and [[North Macedonia]] will have higher GDP per capita and GDP PPP per capita than now,and [[Serbia]] will lose a bit of its average.Currencies are [[Serbian Dinar]], [[Albanian Lek]] and [[Macedonian Denar]]. Official languages are [[Serbian language]], [[Albanian language]] and [[Macedonian language]]. Capital cities are
[[Belgrade]], [[Tirana]] and [[Skopje]]. Some other big cities are [[Novi Sad]], [[Niš|Nis]], [[Durres]], [[Shkodra]], and [[Kragujevac]]. Serbia is the largest country in this Union, it also has the biggest economy, [[Human Development Index]], and Population. The largest city in this Economic Zone is [[Belgrade]], capital city of [[Serbia]] with about 1.7 milion people.


== History ==
==What the Mini Schengen Zone Does==
[[File:Aleksandar Vučić, Zoran Zaev & Edi Rama Open Balkan 29 07 2021.jpg|thumb|left|Vučić, Zaev and Rama on the Economic Forum for Regional Cooperation]]
The [[Mini Schengen Zone]] is providing trade, exchanging students, and boosting EU integrations in Member states. Citizens of Member states need only ID card for visiting other Member states. It will save time by stopping large columns at border crossings.
{{Supranational European Bodies|align=right|size=400px}}
The idea of the Open Balkan (formerly known as Mini-Schengen Area) came in the early 1990s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-30 |title=Montenegro's new criticism of the Open Balkan initiative divides rather than unites - European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity |url=https://europeanforum.net/montenegros-new-criticism-of-the-open-balkan-initiative-divides-rather-than-unites/ |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=europeanforum.net |language=nl}}</ref> It was first mentioned as an economic area between these countries of the [[Balkans|Balkan Peninsula]]. The plans were eventually abandoned due to the [[Yugoslav Wars]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubessy |first=Frédéric |title=Albania, Northern Macedonia and Serbia unite in "Open Balkans", antechamber to the Schengen Area |url=https://en.econostrum.info/Albania-Northern-Macedonia-and-Serbia-unite-in-Open-Balkans--antechamber-to-the-Schengen-Area_a1062.html |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=Econostrum {{!}} Economic News in the Mediterranean |language=en-US}}</ref> The first signs of the Open Balkan emerged in 2018 as a way to improve political relations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Albania |first=Euronews |date=2021-09-14 |title=Open Balkan – how it came to fruition and where it's heading |url=https://euronews.al/en/open-balkan-how-it-came-to-fruition-and-where-its-heading/ |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=Euronews Albania |language=en-US}}</ref> The idea of the area was brought by [[Edi Rama]] in [[Berlin]] when he discussed it with the interested nations. Rama took the idea of the former Prime Minister of Albania [[Fatos Nano]].<ref>{{Citation|title=Rama i përgjigjet Vuçiçit|url=https://www.facebook.com/euronews.al/videos/rama-i-p%C3%ABrgjigjet-vu%C3%A7i%C3%A7it/447138156545775/|language=en|access-date=2021-08-14}}</ref>


The plans for the area were declared on 10 October 2019 in [[Novi Sad]].<ref name="euractiv">{{Cite web|last=Simić|first=Julija|date=11 October 2019|title=Three countries agree mini Schengen in the Balkans|url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/three-countries-agree-mini-schengen-in-the-balkans/|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Euractiv|language=en-GB}}</ref> Two meetings were held, one in [[Ohrid]] on 11 November 2019, and the other on 12 December 2019 in [[Durrës]]. These countries declared to form a unified market of 12 million people by the end of 2020. On 11 November 2019, at the 2019 [[Ohrid]] summit, the President of Serbia, the Prime Ministers of Albania and North Macedonia agreed to create an economic zone, which would further improve political and economic relations and strengthen cultural ties between the nations.<ref name="euractiv"/>
==When Will the Mini Schengen Zone be Established==
On October 10, 2019 the [[Mini Schengen Zone]] is declared by [[Serbia]], [[Albania]] and [[North Macedonia]]. The next meeting is projected to be in [[Belgrade]], in late spring or summer 2020. The first meeting was to be held in January or February 2020 in Belgrade, however, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], no new meeting was held, a potential date for new meeting in [[Belgrade]] is spring or summer of 2020. At that meeting leaders of those countries will say exactly what the Union will do, and how is it going to work. In the declaration of Mini Schengen, [[Serbia]], [[Albania]], and [[North Macedonia]] guarantee that by the end of 2020 they will make a [[Mini Schengen Zone]], and make a free flow of goods and capital.


The first meeting was due to be held in January or February 2020 in [[Belgrade]]. However, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Europe|COVID-19 pandemic]], the meeting was postponed and a potential date for new meeting in Belgrade was tentatively scheduled for spring or summer 2020.
==Potential Members==
Potential Members are [[Montenegro]] and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], President of [[Montenegro]] on Durres summit said that he supports this idea, but that [[Montenegro]] is only on the way to [[European Union]]. Representative of [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] during the [[Ohrid]] summit said that [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] is only on the way to the [[European Union]], but that can change in the future, as she said. Both [[Montenegro]] and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] aren't in declaration, so they are potential members.
*{{flag|Montenegro}}
*{{flag|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}


An Open Balkan leaders summit was held on 2 September 2022 in [[Belgrade]]. Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania signed several agreements on the exchange of food products, energy, cinematography, as well as cooperation in emergency situations. The countries also agreed to further cooperation and easing tensions in the Balkan region. Montenegrin prime minister [[Dritan Abazović]] and the chairman of the council of ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina [[Zoran Tegeltija]] also attended the summit, expressing their wishes for these countries to join the initiative.
==Potential Members which haven't sent anyone to meetings==
[[Kosovo]] refused to go to any meeting, saying that it is not interested in this zone, because Serbia don't recognize [[Kosovo]], however, that can change with new [[Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo]]. With dialogue being restored in May 2020, and [[Kosovo]] revoking the 100% tax on Serbian goods, [[Kosovo]] can become a new member of this economic zone.
*{{flag|Kosovo}}


The former name referred to the [[Schengen Area]], a common travel area that includes 26 European countries, but not the aforementioned Balkan countries.
==Economy of Member States==
[[File:Bělehrad, Knez Mihailova IV.jpg|thumb|266x266px|Belgrade,Serbia]]


== Purpose ==
*{{flag|Serbia}}
[[File:OB Infographic EN.jpg|thumb|Infographic on Open Balkan]]
*{{increase}} GDP:$51.533 bilion
*{{increase}} GDP PPP:$137.126 bilion
*{{increase}} GDP per capita:$7.398
*{{increase}} GDP PPP per capita:$19.767
*GDP growth:-1.8%(2020),7.5%(2021)
*Inflation:1.4%(2020)


The Open Balkan's intentions are to provide greater opportunities for trade, student exchanges, and encourage the [[European Union|EU]] integration in the member states, ''[[inter alia]].''<ref name="euractiv"/> Citizens of member states will need only an ID card to visit other member states, saving time at border crossings.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mini-Schengen: what does this accord mean for the EU?|url=https://www.etiasvisa.com/etias-news/mini-schengen-balkans|access-date=2021-06-03|website=www.etiasvisa.com|language=en-US}}</ref> This economic zone prepares the countries to become members of the European Union.<ref name="euractiv"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.euronews.com/2019/11/11/western-balkan-leaders-plot-their-own-mini-schengen-zone|title=Western Balkan leaders plot their own 'mini-Schengen' zone|last=Holroyd|first=Matthew|date=2019-11-11|website=euronews|language=en|access-date=2020-04-25}}</ref>
*{{flag|Albania}}
*{{increase}} GDP:$15.418 bilion
*{{increase}} GDP PPP:$40.151 bilion
*{{increase}} GDP per capita:$5373
*{{increase}} GDP PPP per capita:$13.991
*GDP Growth:-5%(2020),8.0%(2021)
*Inflation:2.0%(2020)


In this union, goods and capital between these countries would flow quicker and more than 30 million hours would be saved crossing the borders of these three countries every year. The estimate of the [[World Bank]] projects savings of [[United States dollar|$]]3.2 billion, of which, according to the President Vučić, Serbia would save at least $1.5 billion.{{Citation needed|date=August 2021}}
*{{flag|North Macedonia}}
*{{increase}} GDP:$12.672 bilion
*GDP PPP:$34.694
*{{increase}} GDP per capita:$6.096
*{{increase}} GDP PPP per capita:$16.486
*GDP growth:-4%(2020),7.0%(2021)
*Inflation:-0.9%(2020)


On 29 July 2021, [[Aleksandar Vučić|Vučić]], [[Edi Rama|Rama]] and [[Zoran Zaev|Zaev]] participated in the forum for regional economic cooperation in Skopje, where they signed agreements on the movement of goods, access to the labor market and cooperation in protection against disasters.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania Push Forward On 'Open Balkans' Initiative|url=https://www.rferl.org/amp/serbia-macedonia-open-balkans/31384360.html#aoh=16277336248243&amp_ct=1627735176495&referrer=https://www.google.com&amp_tf=%D0%98%D0%B7%D0%B2%D0%BE%D1%80:%20%251$s|access-date=2021-08-11|website=www.rferl.org}}</ref> It has been agreed mutual acceptance of diplomas and job qualifications, all making work forces more flexible and available and so attracting more investment. As part of the initiative, a regional economic forum attended by some 350 companies, mostly coming from these three countries but also from the wider region, was also held.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-29|title=Balkan 'Mini-Schengen' Leaders Eye Open Borders by 2023|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2021/07/29/balkan-mini-schengen-leaders-eye-open-borders-by-2023/|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Balkan Insight|language=en-US}}</ref>
==Population of Member States==


== Member states ==


The Open Balkan currently comprises three member states, including Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia.
*{{flag|Serbia}}
*{{decrease}} 6,963,764(2019)


{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"
*{{flag|Albania}}
|-
*{{decrease}} 2,862,427(2019)
! scope="col" | State
! scope="col" | [[Capital city|Capital]]
! scope="col" | Accession
! scope="col" | Population (2023)<ref>Citations regarding the populations of the Open Balkan member states:
*For Albania:{{cite web |publisher=[[Institute of Statistics (Albania)|Institute of Statistics]] (INSTAT) |title=Population in Albania, 1 January 2020 |url=http://www.instat.gov.al/en/themes/demography-and-social-indicators/population/publication/2020/population-in-albania-1-january-2020/ |access-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522113200/http://www.instat.gov.al/en/themes/demography-and-social-indicators/population/publication/2020/population-in-albania-1-january-2020/ |archive-date=22 May 2021 |url-status=live}}
*For North Macedonia:{{cite web |publisher=State Statistical Office (MAKSTAT) |title=Population: Key Indicators |url=https://www.stat.gov.mk/OblastOpsto_en.aspx?id=2 |access-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806145541/https://www.stat.gov.mk/OblastOpsto_en.aspx?id=2 |archive-date=6 August 2021 |url-status=live}}
*For Serbia excluding Kosovo:{{cite web |publisher=[[Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia]] (RBS) |title=Estimates of population, 2020 |url=https://publikacije.stat.gov.rs/G2021/PdfE/G20211181.pdf |access-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182156/https://publikacije.stat.gov.rs/G2021/PdfE/G20211181.pdf |archive-date=9 July 2021 |date=1 July 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
! scope="col" | Area
![[Gross domestic product|GDP]] (nominal)
![[Gross domestic product|GDP]] Per capita
! scope="col" | Urban areas
|-
! scope="row" | '''{{Flag|Albania}}'''
| [[Tirana]]
| Founder
| style="text-align: right;" | 2,402,113
| style="text-align: right;" | {{Cvt|28748|km2|disp=br()|sortable=on}}
|$25.297 billion
|$8,877
| style="text-align: center;" | [[Durrës]], [[Elbasan]], [[Vlorë]], [[Shkodër]]
|-
! scope="row" | '''{{Flag|North Macedonia}}'''
| [[Skopje]]
| Founder
| style="text-align: right;" | 1,836,713
| style="text-align: right;" | {{Cvt|25713|km2|disp=br()|sortable=on}}
|$15.801 billion
|$7,672
| style="text-align: center;" | [[Bitola]], [[Kumanovo]], [[Prilep]], [[Tetovo]]
|-
! scope="row" | '''{{Flag|Serbia}}'''
| [[Belgrade]]
| Founder
| style="text-align: right;" | 6,605,168
| style="text-align: right;" | {{Cvt|77474|km2|disp=br()|sortable=on}}
|$81.873 billion
|$12,384
| style="text-align: center;" | [[Novi Sad]], [[Niš]], [[Subotica]], [[Kragujevac]]
|-
|}


== Potential member states ==
*{{flag|North Macedonia}}
[[File:Open Balkan Reactions.png|thumb|Official reactions to the Open Balkan initiative:<ref>{{Cite news |last=Evropa |first=Radio Slobodna |date=2022-06-03 |title=Kurti odbio poziv za 'Otvoreni Balkan' |language=sh |work=Radio Slobodna Evropa |url=https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/kurti-odbio-poziv-otvoreni-balkan/31881462.html |access-date=2023-04-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Crna Gora: Nova bura zbog Otvorenog Balkana – DW – 26. 11. 2022. |url=https://www.dw.com/sr/crna-gora-nova-bura-zbog-otvorenog-balkana/a-63900164 |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=dw.com |language=sr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title="Otvoreni Balkan" i BiH: Skok s motkom – DW – 10.06.2022 |url=https://www.dw.com/bs/otvoreni-balkan-i-bih-skok-s-motkom/a-62088444 |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=dw.com |language=bs}}</ref><br>
*{{increase}} 2,077,132(2019)


{{Legend0|Green|Founders (Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia)}}<br>
==First challenges==
{{Legend0|Red|Negative (Kosovo)}}<br>
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the economy of all of those countries were hit hard, however, [[Serbia]], [[Albania]], and [[North Macedonia]] managed to be the least hit countries in [[Europe]]. The [[European Union]] has seen this potential and opened negotiations with [[Albania]] and [[North Macedonia]]. [[European Union]], [[China]], [[Russia]], and several others were the main aides, helping those countries to recover from crisis.
{{Legend0|Blue|Mixed (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro)}}]]
Three potential members are [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Montenegro]] and [[Kosovo]].


==Main partners==
=== Kosovo ===
On 4 September 2020, Kosovo agreed to join the Mini-Schengen Area as part of the [[Kosovo and Serbia economic normalization agreements (2020)|Kosovo and Serbia economic normalization agreements]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Šta piše u sporazumu Kosova i Srbije? |url=https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/30821548.html |website=Radio Slobodna Evropa |date=4 September 2020 |language=sh}}</ref> but so far has not signed any agreement with three founding countries, even opposing the whole initiative.<ref>{{cite web| title=Gërvalla in Slovenia: EU must stop 'mini-Schengen'| url=http://en.rtv21.tv/gervalla-ne-slloveni-be-ja-duhet-ta-ndale-mini-shengenin-i-rrezikshem-per-paqen-ne-ballkan|website= 21 media| date=23 July 2021|language=en}}</ref><ref name="albaniandailynews.com">{{cite web |title=PM Rama Criticises Kosovo Premier for Not Participating in Balkans Mini-Schengen |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/pm-rama-criticizes-kosovo-premier-for-not-participating-in-balkans-mini-schengen|website=albanian daily news |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title=Kosovo government does not support Open Balkans initiative |url= https://www.slobodnaevropa.mk/a/31384093.html|website= Radio Slobodna Evropa|date= 29 July 2021|language=mk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title=Kosovo considers the "Open Balkan" initiative as very dangerous |url=https://alsat.mk/mk/kosovo-ja-smeta-za-mnogu-opasna-initsijativata-otvoren-balkan/|website= Alsat|date=30 July 2021|language=mk}}</ref> [[Prime Minister of Kosovo]] [[Albin Kurti]] rejected the invitation for the summit in Ohrid which is held on June 7–8. Kurti said that "the Open Balkan initiative is a harmful regional initiative with no vision. Kosovo does not want to join in because Serbia is not treating it as an equal side and independent country".<ref>{{cite web| title=Kurti refuses invitation to Open Balkan summit| url=https://rs.n1info.com/english/news/kurti-refuses-invitation-to-open-balkan-summit/|website=N1 English| date=3 June 2022|language=en}}</ref>
The main partners of the [[Mini Schengen Zone]] are [[Italy]], [[Germany]], [[China]], [[Russia]], [[Central European Free Trade Agreement]] members, [[France]], [[United Kingdom]], [[Spain]], [[Croatia]], [[Sweden]], [[Slovenia]], [[Craiova Group]] members, [[Hungary]], [[Visegrad Group]] members, Other [[European Union]] members, [[Belarus]], [[United States]], [[Canada]], Other [[BRICS]] members, [[Australia]], [[Norway]], and [[Turkey]].


==First mention==
=== Montenegro ===
Former [[Prime Minister of Montenegro]] [[Dritan Abazović]] said he supports Open Balkan Initiative,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-11 |title=Montenegro's New PM Supports 'Open Balkan' Initiative |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2022/05/11/montenegros-new-pm-supports-open-balkan-initiative/ |access-date=2022-06-07 |website=Balkan Insight |language=en-US}}</ref> saying "The Open Balkan initiative was made for six countries."<ref name="Halla">{{Cite web |last=Halla |first=Barbara |date=2022-05-27 |title=Montenegro may be set to join Open Balkan initiative |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/montenegro-may-be-set-to-join-open-balkan-initiative/ |access-date=2022-06-07 |website=www.euractiv.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> Also following the latest voting in Montenegro, the collective voice of the people has expressed a desire to become part of the Open Balkan Initiative. "The President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, spoke to the Viennese newspaper ''Der Standard'' about Montenegro's role in the current geopolitical moment. Commenting on the "Open Balkan" initiative, Milatović stated that our part of Europe was the only one without borders 50 years ago, but now it has borders. He also added that joining the Open Balkan is a measure to facilitate relations with Serbia, and that 60 percent of Montenegrins want Montenegro to participate in the initiative."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cdm.me/politika/milatovic-60-odsto-crnogoraca-zeli-da-se-crna-gora-ukljuci-u-otvoreni-balkan/ |title=Milatović: 60 odsto Crnogoraca želi da se Crna Gora uključi u Otvoreni Balkan |trans-title=Milatović: 60 percent of Montenegrins want Montenegro to join the Open Balkans |date=11 June 2023 |website=CDM |access-date=15 November 2023 |language=cnr}}</ref>
The first mention of Economic zone between this three rival countries came from early 2000's. But in that time, they didn't want it, because of [[NATO bombing of Yugoslavia]], [[Insurgency in the Preševo Valley]] and [[2001 insurgency in Macedonia]]. The first real mention of something like this came in 2018, but not as an economic zone. At first, countries wanted to make zone just to improve relations, but in 2019 [[Ohrid]] meeting, presidents of [[Serbia]], [[Albania]] and [[North Macedonia]] agreed to make this zone as an economic zone, which would also improve relations.


=== Bosnia and Herzegovina ===
==See also==
Former [[Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Zoran Tegeltija]], expressed personal support for the initiative,<ref>{{Cite web |last=EWB |date=2022-06-08 |title=Open Balkan summit: Agreement on cooperation in the area of recognition of diplomas signed |url=https://europeanwesternbalkans.com/2022/06/08/open-balkan-summit-agreement-on-cooperation-in-the-area-of-recognition-of-diplomas-signed/ |access-date=2022-06-08 |website=European Western Balkans |language=en-US}}</ref> but Bosnia and Herzegovina still lacks a consensus about it for "political reasons".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-08 |title=Montenegro Mulls Joining 'Open Balkan' Initiative, Kosovo Remains Opposed |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2022/06/08/montenegro-mulls-joining-open-balkan-initiative-kosovo-remains-opposed/ |access-date=2022-06-08 |website=Balkan Insight |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Economy ==

{{Multiple image
|align = center
|direction = horizontal
|total_width = 800
|image1 = Belgrade_Waterfront_(Београд_на_води).jpg
|caption1 = {{flagicon|SRB}} '''[[Belgrade]]'''
|image2 = Stone Bridge so Arheološkiot.jpg
|caption2 = {{flagicon|MKD}} '''[[Skopje]]'''
|image3 =Skanderbeg square tirana 2016.jpg
|caption3 = {{flagicon|ALB}} '''[[Tirana]]'''
}}
{{cn span|date=March 2024|In 2020, the GDP of these countries combined would be $80.027 billion, GDP PPP would be $207.326 billion. In 2020, GDP per capita would be $6,256, GDP PPP per capita would be $16,658. Albania and North Macedonia would have higher GDP per capita and GDP PPP per capita, and Serbia's GDP/GDP PPP per capita would somewhat decrease.}}{{Update inline|date=March 2024}} The current currencies are the [[Albanian lek]], the [[Macedonian denar]] and the [[Serbian dinar]].

=== Statistics ===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! [[Albania]]
! [[North Macedonia]]
! [[Serbia]]
|-
![[Forms of government|Form of government]]
|align="center" colspan="3"|[[Parliamentary republic]]
|-
!rowspan="2"|Current heads of [[Head of state|state]]<br />and [[Head of government|government]]
|[[President of Albania|President]] [[Bajram Begaj]]
|[[President of North Macedonia|President]] [[Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova]]
|[[President of Serbia|President]] [[Aleksandar Vučić]]
|-
|[[Prime Minister of Albania|Prime Minister]] [[Edi Rama]]
|[[Prime Minister of North Macedonia|Prime Minister]] [[Hristijan Mickoski]]
|[[Prime Minister of Serbia|Prime Minister]] [[Miloš Vučević]]
|-
!Official [[language]]s
|[[Albanian language|Albanian]]
|[[Macedonian language|Macedonian]] and [[Albanian language|Albanian]]<ref>Albanian is a co-official language at a state level (excluding defence, central police and monetary policy) and in local self-government units where speakers are 20% or more.</ref>
|[[Serbian language|Serbian]]
|-
![[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|GDP (nominal)]]
|$26.130 billion
|$15.740 billion
|$88.250 billion
|-
![[List of countries by GDP (nominal) per capita|GDP (nominal) per capita]]
|$9,950
|$10,816
|$12,385
|-
![[List of countries by GDP (PPP)|GDP (PPP)]]
|$55.30 billion
|$49.90 billion
|$185.014 billion
|-
![[List of countries by GDP (PPP) per capita|GDP (PPP) per capita]]
|$25,858
|$19,783
|$28,985
|-
![[List of countries by real GDP growth rate|Real GDP growth rate]] (2020–22)
| −3.3%, 8.45%, 4.0%
| −4.5%, 4%, 3%
| 7.5%, 2.6%, 2,8%, 4.6%f
|-
![[Currency]]
|[[Albanian lek|Lek]]
|[[Macedonian denar|Denar]]
|[[Serbian dinar|Dinar]]
|-
![[National average salary|Average salary]]
| €551
| €516
| €856
|}

== Further cooperation ==

On 2 August 2021, the directors of the post offices of Serbia and North Macedonia, [[Zoran Đorđević (politician)|Zoran Đorđević]] and Jani Makraduli signed in Belgrade a Protocol for business cooperation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.posta.rs/eng/info/vest-detaljnije.aspx?ID=8872|title = Post of Serbia - Serbian and Northern Macedonian posts sign Protocol on business cooperation}}</ref>

On 3 August 2021, by an order of the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, four helicopters of the [[Ministry of Internal Affairs (Serbia)]], have been sent to help colleagues from [[Ministry of Internal Affairs (North Macedonia)]] for firefighting in North Macedonia.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-03|title=Serbia sends police choppers to help North Macedonia's firefighters|url=https://rs.n1info.com/english/news/serbia-sends-police-choppers-to-help-north-macedonias-firefighters/|access-date=2021-08-11|website=N1|language=sr-RS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Serbian helicopter units are putting out fires in North Macedonia, photos from scene|url=https://www.telegraf.rs/english/3372775-serbian-helicopter-units-are-putting-out-fires-in-north-macedonia-photos-from-scene|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Telegraf.rs|date=4 August 2021 |language=sr}}</ref>

On 12 May 2022, Serbian Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications [[Tatjana Matić]] talked in Tirana with Albanian Minister of Tourism and Environment [[Mirela Kumbaro]] about cooperation within the "Open Balkans" initiative, with an emphasis on removing barriers and reaching an agreement in the field of tourism.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rcc.int/news/759/bregu-removing-barriers-is-the-first-step-in-positioning-western-balkans-at-the-world-tourism-map | title=Regional Cooperation Council &#124; Bregu: Removing barriers is the first step in positioning Western Balkans at the world tourism map }}</ref>

== See also ==
*[[Accession of Albania to the European Union]]
*[[Accession of North Macedonia to the European Union]]
*[[Accession of Serbia to the European Union]]
*[[Berlin Process]]
*[[Regional Roaming Agreement]]
*[[Schengen Area]]
*[[Schengen Area]]
*[[Central European Free Trade Agreement]]
*[[Craiova Group]]
*[[European Union]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Europe topics (small)}}

{{Foreign relations of Albania}}

{{Foreign relations of North Macedonia}}
{{Foreign relations of Serbia}}{{Regional organizations}}
[[Category:Economy of Europe]]
[[Category:Economy of Europe]]
[[Category:Expedited border crossing schemes]]
[[Category:International border crossings]]
[[Category:International organizations based in Europe]]
[[Category:International travel documents]]
[[Category:Law enforcement in Europe]]
[[Category:Multi-speed Europe]]
[[Category:Political organizations based in Europe]]
[[Category:Schengen Area]]
[[Category:Transport and the European Union]]

Latest revision as of 21:05, 25 November 2024

Open Balkan
Logo of Open Balkan
Logo
  Member states
  Potential member states
Administrative centers
Official languages
Membership
Establishment29 July 2021
Area
• Total
131.935 km2 (50.940 sq mi)
Population
• 2024 estimate
10,885,829
GDP (PPP)estimate
• Total
$381.425 billion
• Per capita
$24,974
GDP (nominal)2024 estimate
• Total
$159.418 billion
Currency
Time zoneUTC+01:00

The Open Balkan is an economic and political zone of three member states in the Balkans, those being Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia. The zone has a total area of 131,935 km2 (50,940 sq mi) and an estimated total population of almost 12 million located in Central and Southern Europe. The official languages are Albanian, Macedonian and Serbian. Its administrative centres are the cities of Belgrade, Skopje and Tirana. With the establishment of the zone, all three member states aim to increase trade and cooperation as well as improve bilateral relations.

History

[edit]
Vučić, Zaev and Rama on the Economic Forum for Regional Cooperation
European Political CommunitySchengen AreaCouncil of EuropeEuropean UnionEuropean Economic AreaEurozoneEuropean Union Customs UnionEuropean Free Trade AssociationNordic CouncilVisegrád GroupBaltic AssemblyBeneluxGUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic DevelopmentCentral European Free Trade AgreementOpen BalkanOrganization of the Black Sea Economic CooperationUnion StateCommon Travel AreaInternational status and usage of the euro#Sovereign statesSwitzerlandLiechtensteinIcelandNorwaySwedenDenmarkFinlandPolandCzech RepublicHungarySlovakiaBulgariaRomaniaGreeceEstoniaLatviaLithuaniaBelgiumNetherlandsLuxembourgItalyFranceSpainAustriaGermanyPortugalSloveniaMaltaCroatiaCyprusRepublic of IrelandUnited KingdomTurkeyMonacoAndorraSan MarinoVatican CityGeorgia (country)UkraineAzerbaijanMoldovaBosnia and HerzegovinaArmeniaMontenegroNorth MacedoniaAlbaniaSerbiaKosovoRussiaBelarus
An Euler diagram showing the relationships between various multinational European organisations and agreements

The idea of the Open Balkan (formerly known as Mini-Schengen Area) came in the early 1990s.[1] It was first mentioned as an economic area between these countries of the Balkan Peninsula. The plans were eventually abandoned due to the Yugoslav Wars.[2] The first signs of the Open Balkan emerged in 2018 as a way to improve political relations.[3] The idea of the area was brought by Edi Rama in Berlin when he discussed it with the interested nations. Rama took the idea of the former Prime Minister of Albania Fatos Nano.[4]

The plans for the area were declared on 10 October 2019 in Novi Sad.[5] Two meetings were held, one in Ohrid on 11 November 2019, and the other on 12 December 2019 in Durrës. These countries declared to form a unified market of 12 million people by the end of 2020. On 11 November 2019, at the 2019 Ohrid summit, the President of Serbia, the Prime Ministers of Albania and North Macedonia agreed to create an economic zone, which would further improve political and economic relations and strengthen cultural ties between the nations.[5]

The first meeting was due to be held in January or February 2020 in Belgrade. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was postponed and a potential date for new meeting in Belgrade was tentatively scheduled for spring or summer 2020.

An Open Balkan leaders summit was held on 2 September 2022 in Belgrade. Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania signed several agreements on the exchange of food products, energy, cinematography, as well as cooperation in emergency situations. The countries also agreed to further cooperation and easing tensions in the Balkan region. Montenegrin prime minister Dritan Abazović and the chairman of the council of ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zoran Tegeltija also attended the summit, expressing their wishes for these countries to join the initiative.

The former name referred to the Schengen Area, a common travel area that includes 26 European countries, but not the aforementioned Balkan countries.

Purpose

[edit]
Infographic on Open Balkan

The Open Balkan's intentions are to provide greater opportunities for trade, student exchanges, and encourage the EU integration in the member states, inter alia.[5] Citizens of member states will need only an ID card to visit other member states, saving time at border crossings.[6] This economic zone prepares the countries to become members of the European Union.[5][7]

In this union, goods and capital between these countries would flow quicker and more than 30 million hours would be saved crossing the borders of these three countries every year. The estimate of the World Bank projects savings of $3.2 billion, of which, according to the President Vučić, Serbia would save at least $1.5 billion.[citation needed]

On 29 July 2021, Vučić, Rama and Zaev participated in the forum for regional economic cooperation in Skopje, where they signed agreements on the movement of goods, access to the labor market and cooperation in protection against disasters.[8] It has been agreed mutual acceptance of diplomas and job qualifications, all making work forces more flexible and available and so attracting more investment. As part of the initiative, a regional economic forum attended by some 350 companies, mostly coming from these three countries but also from the wider region, was also held.[9]

Member states

[edit]

The Open Balkan currently comprises three member states, including Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia.

State Capital Accession Population (2023)[10] Area GDP (nominal) GDP Per capita Urban areas
 Albania Tirana Founder 2,402,113 28,748 km2
(11,100 sq mi) 		$25.297 billion $8,877 Durrës, Elbasan, Vlorë, Shkodër
 North Macedonia Skopje Founder 1,836,713 25,713 km2
(9,928 sq mi) 		$15.801 billion $7,672 Bitola, Kumanovo, Prilep, Tetovo
 Serbia Belgrade Founder 6,605,168 77,474 km2
(29,913 sq mi) 		$81.873 billion $12,384 Novi Sad, Niš, Subotica, Kragujevac

Potential member states

[edit]
Official reactions to the Open Balkan initiative:[11][12][13]
     Founders (Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia)
     Negative (Kosovo)
     Mixed (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro)

Three potential members are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Kosovo.

Kosovo

[edit]

On 4 September 2020, Kosovo agreed to join the Mini-Schengen Area as part of the Kosovo and Serbia economic normalization agreements,[14] but so far has not signed any agreement with three founding countries, even opposing the whole initiative.[15][16][17][18] Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti rejected the invitation for the summit in Ohrid which is held on June 7–8. Kurti said that "the Open Balkan initiative is a harmful regional initiative with no vision. Kosovo does not want to join in because Serbia is not treating it as an equal side and independent country".[19]

Montenegro

[edit]

Former Prime Minister of Montenegro Dritan Abazović said he supports Open Balkan Initiative,[20] saying "The Open Balkan initiative was made for six countries."[21] Also following the latest voting in Montenegro, the collective voice of the people has expressed a desire to become part of the Open Balkan Initiative. "The President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, spoke to the Viennese newspaper Der Standard about Montenegro's role in the current geopolitical moment. Commenting on the "Open Balkan" initiative, Milatović stated that our part of Europe was the only one without borders 50 years ago, but now it has borders. He also added that joining the Open Balkan is a measure to facilitate relations with Serbia, and that 60 percent of Montenegrins want Montenegro to participate in the initiative."[22]

Bosnia and Herzegovina

[edit]

Former Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zoran Tegeltija, expressed personal support for the initiative,[23] but Bosnia and Herzegovina still lacks a consensus about it for "political reasons".[24]

Economy

[edit]
Serbia Belgrade
North Macedonia Skopje
Albania Tirana

In 2020, the GDP of these countries combined would be $80.027 billion, GDP PPP would be $207.326 billion. In 2020, GDP per capita would be $6,256, GDP PPP per capita would be $16,658. Albania and North Macedonia would have higher GDP per capita and GDP PPP per capita, and Serbia's GDP/GDP PPP per capita would somewhat decrease.[citation needed][needs update] The current currencies are the Albanian lek, the Macedonian denar and the Serbian dinar.

Statistics

[edit]
Albania North Macedonia Serbia
Form of government Parliamentary republic
Current heads of state
and government 		President Bajram Begaj President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova President Aleksandar Vučić
Prime Minister Edi Rama Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski Prime Minister Miloš Vučević
Official languages Albanian Macedonian and Albanian[25] Serbian
GDP (nominal) $26.130 billion $15.740 billion $88.250 billion
GDP (nominal) per capita $9,950 $10,816 $12,385
GDP (PPP) $55.30 billion $49.90 billion $185.014 billion
GDP (PPP) per capita $25,858 $19,783 $28,985
Real GDP growth rate (2020–22) −3.3%, 8.45%, 4.0% −4.5%, 4%, 3% 7.5%, 2.6%, 2,8%, 4.6%f
Currency Lek Denar Dinar
Average salary €551 €516 €856

Further cooperation

[edit]

On 2 August 2021, the directors of the post offices of Serbia and North Macedonia, Zoran Đorđević and Jani Makraduli signed in Belgrade a Protocol for business cooperation.[26]

On 3 August 2021, by an order of the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, four helicopters of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Serbia), have been sent to help colleagues from Ministry of Internal Affairs (North Macedonia) for firefighting in North Macedonia.[27][28]

On 12 May 2022, Serbian Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications Tatjana Matić talked in Tirana with Albanian Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro about cooperation within the "Open Balkans" initiative, with an emphasis on removing barriers and reaching an agreement in the field of tourism.[29]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Montenegro's new criticism of the Open Balkan initiative divides rather than unites - European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity". europeanforum.net (in Dutch). 2022-11-30. Retrieved 2023-04-17.
  2. ^ Dubessy, Frédéric. "Albania, Northern Macedonia and Serbia unite in "Open Balkans", antechamber to the Schengen Area". Econostrum | Economic News in the Mediterranean. Retrieved 2023-04-17.
  3. ^ Albania, Euronews (2021-09-14). "Open Balkan – how it came to fruition and where it's heading". Euronews Albania. Retrieved 2023-04-17.
  4. ^ Rama i përgjigjet Vuçiçit, retrieved 2021-08-14
  5. ^ a b c d Simić, Julija (11 October 2019). "Three countries agree mini Schengen in the Balkans". Euractiv. Retrieved 2021-08-11.
  6. ^ "Mini-Schengen: what does this accord mean for the EU?". www.etiasvisa.com. Retrieved 2021-06-03.
  7. ^ Holroyd, Matthew (2019-11-11). "Western Balkan leaders plot their own 'mini-Schengen' zone". euronews. Retrieved 2020-04-25.
  8. ^ "Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania Push Forward On 'Open Balkans' Initiative". www.rferl.org. Retrieved 2021-08-11.
  9. ^ "Balkan 'Mini-Schengen' Leaders Eye Open Borders by 2023". Balkan Insight. 2021-07-29. Retrieved 2021-08-11.
  10. ^ Citations regarding the populations of the Open Balkan member states:
  11. ^ Evropa, Radio Slobodna (2022-06-03). "Kurti odbio poziv za 'Otvoreni Balkan'". Radio Slobodna Evropa (in Serbo-Croatian). Retrieved 2023-04-03.
  12. ^ "Crna Gora: Nova bura zbog Otvorenog Balkana – DW – 26. 11. 2022". dw.com (in Serbian). Retrieved 2023-04-03.
  13. ^ ""Otvoreni Balkan" i BiH: Skok s motkom – DW – 10.06.2022". dw.com (in Bosnian). Retrieved 2023-04-03.
  14. ^ "Šta piše u sporazumu Kosova i Srbije?". Radio Slobodna Evropa (in Serbo-Croatian). 4 September 2020.
  15. ^ "Gërvalla in Slovenia: EU must stop 'mini-Schengen'". 21 media. 23 July 2021.
  16. ^ "PM Rama Criticises Kosovo Premier for Not Participating in Balkans Mini-Schengen". albanian daily news.
  17. ^ "Kosovo government does not support Open Balkans initiative". Radio Slobodna Evropa (in Macedonian). 29 July 2021.
  18. ^ "Kosovo considers the "Open Balkan" initiative as very dangerous". Alsat (in Macedonian). 30 July 2021.
  19. ^ "Kurti refuses invitation to Open Balkan summit". N1 English. 3 June 2022.
  20. ^ "Montenegro's New PM Supports 'Open Balkan' Initiative". Balkan Insight. 2022-05-11. Retrieved 2022-06-07.
  21. ^ Halla, Barbara (2022-05-27). "Montenegro may be set to join Open Balkan initiative". www.euractiv.com. Retrieved 2022-06-07.
  22. ^ "Milatović: 60 odsto Crnogoraca želi da se Crna Gora uključi u Otvoreni Balkan" [Milatović: 60 percent of Montenegrins want Montenegro to join the Open Balkans]. CDM (in Montenegrin). 11 June 2023. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
  23. ^ EWB (2022-06-08). "Open Balkan summit: Agreement on cooperation in the area of recognition of diplomas signed". European Western Balkans. Retrieved 2022-06-08.
  24. ^ "Montenegro Mulls Joining 'Open Balkan' Initiative, Kosovo Remains Opposed". Balkan Insight. 2022-06-08. Retrieved 2022-06-08.
  25. ^ Albanian is a co-official language at a state level (excluding defence, central police and monetary policy) and in local self-government units where speakers are 20% or more.
  26. ^ "Post of Serbia - Serbian and Northern Macedonian posts sign Protocol on business cooperation".
  27. ^ "Serbia sends police choppers to help North Macedonia's firefighters". N1 (in Serbian). 2021-08-03. Retrieved 2021-08-11.
  28. ^ "Serbian helicopter units are putting out fires in North Macedonia, photos from scene". Telegraf.rs (in Serbian). 4 August 2021. Retrieved 2021-08-11.
  29. ^ "Regional Cooperation Council | Bregu: Removing barriers is the first step in positioning Western Balkans at the world tourism map".
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