EU enlargement head pushes Western Balkan common market

BELGRADE, Serbia

The European Union’s enlargement chief on Thursday pushed for a new common market in the Western Balkans to benefit the region economically and prepare it for EU membership.

"The creation of a common market will attract more investors and create new employment areas," said Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn during an official visit to the Serbian capital Belgrade, where he met with President Aleksandar Vucic.

Speaking to reporters, Hahn said that a joint market in the Western Balkans is a good opportunity for regional countries, explaining that currently the countries in the region are fragmented and not attractive to investors.

Underlining that such a market would cover 20 million people, Hahn said establishing a common market would mean involving Albania and countries of the former Yugoslavia and would help prepare the region for EU membership.

Hahn said EU membership could deliver the prosperity, peace, and stability that the Balkan people have been waiting for, citing the progress of Serbia, which is set to soon open two more chapters in its EU accession negotiations.

Serbia became an EU candidate country in 2012.

- Vucic supports common market

For his part, Vucic supported Hahn’s proposal, saying, "If we succeed in creating a common market, we will attract more investors to the region."

Vucic added he will also meet leaders of countries in the region about the idea.

Vucic said he would continue to work for peace and stability in the region and would like to establish good relations with the Bosnian Serbs without interfering with the country’s internal affairs.

During his visit, Hahn also took part in a business forum on improving the investment climate in the Western Balkans.

Writing by Talha Ozturk