Macedonia is a regional example on how to solve problems


Prime Minister Zoran Zaev hosted an informal dinner for the prime ministers of the Western Balkans. However, there are rarely occasions in the regional meetings, where the two prime ministers of the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Serbia Ramush Haradinaj and Ana Brnabic can be seen sitting on the same table. Although they were part of the same informal meeting, former ambassador Alajdin Demiri does not think that political players in Serbia have their eyes facing Europe.

“Serbia has been playing this game between the pro-European pro-Russian orientation for a long time. Serbia’s initial idea is to be with both Russia and the EU, and these two components do not go together. Serbia’s formal orientation towards the EU is with its eyes and base towards Kosovo, because in some ways it is trying to push for Kosovo’s sovereignty to be restored to Serbia in its old positions. That is why its pro-Russian orientation against the EU is very obvious because in the last few regional meetings they have shown little interest in the EU,” Demiri said. He adds that by conducting a policy this way, although Serbia and Montenegro are considered leaders in the Western Balkans region for the implemented reforms by the European Commission, will not eventually become members of the European Union.

According to Demiri’s assessment, Macedonia’s role in organizing these meetings is extremely positive, and it is obvious that with the new government, the country has changed the discourse on the real Euro-Atlantic path.

And analyst Xhelal Neziri shares the view that after the government has changed, Macedonia has become a regional example of how progressive politics should take place. According to him, not only Serbia, but other neighbors as well, should follow Macedonia’s example.

“Macedonia becomes a model for other countries in the Balkans on how to solve external and internal problems. Prime Minister Zoran Zaev showed courage and a European vision when he solved the issue with Bulgaria, the issue of the Albanian language in the country, and is on a good way to resolve the dispute with Greece. In parallel, he also realizes reforms in the judiciary and the political system. This approach to politics makes Skopje a regional center of progressive processes, while Zaev is an example of the kind of politicians the Balkans need,” Neziri said.

According to the latest European Commission report, European clocks are ticking in the interest of Serbia, and according to estimates, with Serbia’s pace of implementation of reforms, the country can become a member of the European Union by 2025 the latest.