Open Balkan

What is Open Balkan? 

Open Balkan is a regional initiative created by North Macedonia, Serbia, and Albania, committed to securing conditions for practicing the four European freedoms for as many as possible citizens and companies on the Balkans. When speaking of free movement of people, goods, capital and services, Open Balkan reinforces the regional cooperation and connectivity. 

At the moment three countries (North Macedonia, Albania, and Serbia) lead and develop the initiative, which has an open-door policy, especially for the other WB countries, such as Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, but also for the other countries in the region that are members of the EU. 

We are connecting with the purpose of developing our economies, for a common regional and single market without limitations, without barriers, without borders and for its long-term development that will bring better life for all citizens. 

This initiative is about integration instead of disintegration, it is about open instead of closed borders, it is about freedom instead of limited movement, it is about facilitation instead of complication of procedures, it is about cooperation instead of hostility, for progress instead of regress. 

We are connecting with each other with clear, open, and public intention for our people to immediately feel the benefits of what we offer. We expect that these benefits will soon be felt in the domestic budget of millions of families, in quality of life of millions of citizens. 

From a political point of view, Open Balkan is directed at accelerating the European integration of the WB countries and towards contributing for each of the countries in the initiative to become a member of the European Union as quickly as possible. 

Open Balkan visual presentation infographic (PDF)

Tangible results for the citizens and the companies: 

The signed trilateral agreements are already bearing tangible results and benefits for the citizens. As a result of the Agreement for protection of disasters and accidents, North Macedonia’s neighbours have assisted with timely interventions during the fires in the summer of 2021. With regards to the forthcoming winter, we have already set up joint working groups that will secure mutual assistance to the three countries in supply of food, electricity, and energy resources. 

Movement of agricultural products and food between the three countries has become much faster since we introduced the green lanes on the border crossings of Tabanovce and Kjafasan for the trucks from the Open Balkan Initiative. The mechanisms for control are conducted much faster because they operate 24/7 and are mutually recognized, thus making the triple controls in three countries, obsolete. 

It is expected that very soon we will activate the Open Balkan ID number (OB ID) for the citizens of the initiative. Thanks to this OB ID the citizens will be able to work in the private sector in any of these three countries, without recognition of the diplomas, without having to wait for various permits, and without facing administrative barriers. Also, the establishment of the single electronic system for tolls in all three countries of Open Balkan is in its final phase. 

New initiatives: 

  • Establishment of common agency for attracting investments in Open Balkan 
  • Promoting the region as an attractive tourist destination offering top wine and gastronomic experience 
  • Establishment of regional theatre fund in Open Balkan 
  • Organizing regional youth exchange, schools, and festivals
  • Reducing and eliminating the fees and taxes arising from the procedure of cross-border movement of people, goods, and services 

International support: 

The Open Balkan initiative is fully supported by representatives of the European Union and the United States of America. 

The Euro-Commissioner Varhelyi underlined that this initiative brings economic benefit for the members. He invited Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro to join the initiative. 

Furthermore, Varhelyi stated that EU supports every regional cooperation based on the values of the bloc. 

You must continue promoting this initiative; the region wants to be whole in terms of economy and society. I admire the fact that you are so attached to this initiative, most of all because the initiative comes from the Balkans, not from the EU. When we failed, you continued attracting the participation of all stakeholders in the Balkans. This is the best message that the region can send – Varhelyi said in Tirana in December 2021. 

In March 2022 during a study visit paid by the OB coordinators to Washington DC, representatives from the State Department expressed their strong and unreserved support for the European integration of the whole WB region. They reiterated their support especially for the inclusive, regional, economic, and political cooperation developing through concrete initiatives oriented towards results, such as Open Balkan, initiatives that are welcome by the citizens, companies and institutions and comply with the rules and regulations of the EU. 

Deputy Assistant Secretary and special representative for WB, Gabriel Escobar, expressed his direct support for the Open Balkan initiative and its enlargement. 
 


With "Open Balkan" we are taking concrete steps to jointly deal with the energy and food crisis - Press conference of the leaders of the Open Balkan Summit in Belgrade


Agreements signed with Open Balkan: 

  • Memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of tourism in the Western Balkans (English)
  • Memorandum of understanding on the cooperation of the taxation administrations in Western Balkans (English)
  • Memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation in the Western Balkans (English) 
  • Agreement on cooperation in the Western Balkans in the field of mutual recognition of diplomas and scientific grades issued by higher education institutions and other authorized institutions (English) 
  • Agreement on Protection from Disasters  (English)
  • Memorandum of Understanding on import and export of goods  (macedonian | English)
  • Memorandum of Understanding for free access to labour market  (macedonian)
  • Agreement between the Governments of North Macedonia and Albania for mutual recognition of approvals for authorized economic operator – security and safety (macedonian | albanian | English)
  • Agreement on conditions for free access to the labour market in the Western Balkans (English)
  • Agreement on interconnection of schemes for electronic identification of the citizens of the Western Balkans (English)
  • Agreement on cooperation in the field of veterinary, food and feed safety and phytosanitary in the Western Balkans (English)
  • With Vucic and Rama we agreed to hold an Open Balkan Summit in Ohrid and Food and Wine Fair in Serbia (English)
  • Agreement on food security mechanisms in the Western Balkans (English)
  • Memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of understanding on cooperation in the field of cinematography and audio-visual activities in Western Balkans (English)
  • Operational Plan in the field of Civil Protection between the Republic of Albania, the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia (English)

Објави на темата
Strumica will host Exit as part of the regional Food and Wine Festival, within the framework of the Open Balkan initiative [05.09.2022]
Kovacevski: Let's develop a promising Balkan together, Macedonian wines, food and music are worth experiencing  [02.09.2022]
Bochvarski - Momirović: Mutual cooperation is at the highest level  [02.09.2022]
Kostadinovska-Stojchevska: The opening of the Macedonian KIC in Belgrade will further strengthen cultural cooperation with Serbia  [02.09.2022]
Kovachevski: With short-term, medium-term and long-term projects, we jointly ensure stability and energy for the countries of the region  [02.09.2022]
At the "Open Balkan" Summit, cooperation agreements were signed in the field of food provision, cinematography and civil protection  [02.09.2022]
In Belgrade, Minister Nikolovski signed the Agreement on cooperation and food security - united together we provide food for our nations  [02.09.2022]
Kostadinovska-Stojchevska: We are establishing a joint co-production fund "Open Balkan" for film professionals [02.09.2022]
Tupančeski met with the Minister of Justice of Serbia, Popović in Belgrade  [02.09.2022]
Kovachevski: With "Open Balkan" we are taking concrete steps to jointly deal with the energy and food crisis  [02.09.2022]
Bekteši, Matić and Kumbaro agreed on the development of "Wine Routes of the Open Balkan", which will increase the tourism offer in the wine industry  [02.09.2022]
Kovacevski: "Open Balkan" has opened a path for jointly dealing with the challenges of providing food and electricity [02.09.2022]
Kovacevski: Through "Open Balkan" we are creating a competitive region, attractive for investments  [02.09.2022]
Kovacevski at the "Open Balkan" Summit: We are advancing regional cooperation through concrete steps, on the way to the EU - Open Balkan is a functional initiative  [02.09.2022]
"The Balkan are open", the leaders of the Open Balkan said at the Food, Wine and Tourism Fair in Belgrade   [01.09.2022]
Kovachevski at the Open Balkan fair: The long wine tradition of the countries of the Open Balkan presented through top wines at the "Winska Vision" Fair [01.09.2022]
Prime Minister Kovacevski visited Macedonian wine stands: Macedonian wines are highly visible, opportunities for development and new placements  [01.09.2022]
Kovacevski: Open Balkan is our common chance for a better future and standard of living for our countries and our citizens [01.09.2022]
Promotion of Macedonian wines, food and tourism at the Open Balkan Fair in Belgrade from 1 to 4 September [24.08.2022]
Open Balkan in Tirana removes trade and barriers between citizens  [26.07.2022]
North Macedonia, Albania and Serbia jointly will provide food and electricity for their citizens before the beginning of the expected winter crisis - second day of the intensive agenda of the Open Balkan in Tirana [26.07.2022]
Bochvarski-Momirović: The concept of Open Balkan gives successful results. We accelerated the flow of goods and passengers on the border crossing Tabanovce [22.07.2022]
Online meeting of the leaders of the Open Balkan: Our cooperation is concrete, for a strong economic region which is ready for EU membership[08.07.2022]
Kovacevski at the end of the Summit: Let's see each other soon with the same energy and with new ideas and projects for cooperation [08.06.2022]
Kovacevski: Open Balkan is a great initiative, but it is not a substitute for the EU[08.06.2022]
Kovacevski: We are open to finding a dignified solution to the dispute with Bulgaria [08.06.2022]
Kovachevski: We unite for the common good of our nations  [08.06.2022]
Open Balkan: Agreement signed to facilitate procedures for recognition of diplomas and scientific degrees obtained in North Macedonia, Serbia and Albania  [08.06.2022]
Kostadinovska-Stojchevska at the summit in Ohrid: "Open Balkan" is a wide open space without administrative barriers for culture and art  [08.06.2022]
Open Balkan opened new opportunities for cooperation in tourism, culture, education and tax policies  [08.06.2022]
"Open Balkan" unites and overcomes barriers and creates funds for joint cultural cooperation [08.06.2022]
Kovacevski: With international support, Open Balkan is a pathway of European integration for the region  [08.06.2022]
"Open Balkan" opens opportunities for joint promotion of the attractive tourist attractions of the countries of the region  [08.06.2022]
From the "Open Balkan" Summit in Ohrid: We continue cooperation for a strong region ready for EU membership  [08.06.2022]
Kovachevski on Open Balkan: We are connected by a common vision for an advanced and safe region  [08.06.2022]
Kostadinovska-Stojchevska: The ministers of culture of Albania and Serbia are delighted with the Ohrid pearl [08.06.2022]
Kovachevski at the end of the Summit: Let's meet again soon with the same energy and with new ideas and projects for cooperation  [07.06.2022]
Kovacevski: Open Balkan is a great initiative, but it is not a substitute for the EU  [07.06.2022]
Kovachevski: We unite for the common good of our nations  [07.06.2022]
Open Balkan: Agreement signed to facilitate the process of recognition of diplomas and degrees in North Macedonia, Serbia and Albania [07.06.2022]
Kostadinovska-Stojchevska at the summit in Ohrid: "Open Balkan" is a wide open space without administrative barriers for the culture and art  [07.06.2022]
Open Balkan opened new opportunities for cooperation in tourism, culture, education and tax policies  [07.06.2022]
"Open Balkan" unites and overcomes barriers and creates funds for joint cultural cooperation  [07.06.2022]
Kovacevski: With international support, Open Balkan is a driver of European integration for the region  [07.06.2022]
"Open Balkan" opens opportunities for joint promotion of the attractive tourist attractions of the countries of the region  [07.06.2022]
From the "Open Balkan" Summit in Ohrid: We continue cooperation for a strong region ready for EU membership  [07.06.2022]
Kovachevski on the Open Balkan: We are connected by a common vision for an advanced and safe region  [07.06.2022]
Kostadinovska-Stojchevska: The ministers of culture of Albania and Serbia are delighted with the Ohrid pearl  [07.06.2022]
Kovacevski welcomed the leaders from the region: With Open Balkan, we are opening new perspectives for our countries [07.06.2022]
Nikolovski from the "Open Balkan" summit: We are harmonizing veterinary certificates and enabling easier trade in live animals and products of animal origin  [07.06.2022]
The leaders of the countries of the "Open Balkan" initiative arrived in Ohrid [07.06.2022]
Kovacevski-Brnabić: Strong regional cooperation is the basis for accelerated economic development  [18.05.2022]
Kovacevski: An open Balkan means an opportunity for investments and economic growth in the region [18.05.2022]
With Vucic and Rama, we agreed to host the Open Balkan summit in Ohrid and a wine and food fair in Serbia [26.04.2022]
Meeting of Prime Minister Kovacevski with Ambassador Reka: Good relations between North Macedonia and Albania are a great contribution to the development of the region and its European perspectives [11.02.2022]
Bochvarski: We need regional inter-connection and modernization of the railways in the Western Balkan [09.02.2022]
Prime Minister Kovacevski: Companies recognize the benefits of "Open Balkan" [09.02.2022]
Meeting of Vice Prime Minister Bitici with Albanian Ambassador Reka – We are pleased with the growth of trade, North Macedonia and Albania to work together for a better economic climate in the region [03.02.2022]
Nikolovski from Belgrade: The "Agro Belgrade 2022" fair and the "Open Balkan" initiative are the basis for increased trade between the countries of the region [27.01.2022]
Nikolovski from Belgrade: The "Open Balkan" initiative economically advances the entire region, in just 24 hours Macedonian products are on the Serbian market [27.01.2022]
The "Open Balkan" Summit has started in Tirana, the agreements for a single labor market in the region are of great importance for the citizens [21.12.2021]
Today, Zaev, Kovacevski and Dimkovski are participating in the "Open Balkan" summit in Tirana  [21.12.2021]
Prime Minister Zaev will lead the government delegation at the meeting of the "Open Balkan" initiative in Tirana [20.12.2021]
"Open Balkan ID" for free access to the labor market and to facilitate the import, export and movement of goods in the Western Balkan [14.11.2021]
Vice Prime Minister Dimitrov on the "Open Balkan" initiative: The greater the success we achieve, the greater will be the motivation to join, and the echo of the message that we deserve a European future  [24.11.2021]
Joint statement of the participants of today's meeting of the Open Balkan Initiative: The future of enlargement – a view from the region  [04.11.2021]
Zaev at the press conference of the "Open Balkan" Economic Forum: It is of great importance that the new and strong regional connection received significant support from the business communities  [29.07.2021]
Zaev, Vucic and Rama at the end of "Open Balkan": The new initiatives will bring great benefits to businessmen and citizens, and the doors remain open to all other countries in the region  [29.07.2021]
Final statement of the leaders of "Open Balkan"  [29.07.2021]
Zaev, Vucic and Rama signed the first official cooperation documents within the framework of "Open Balkan" for a strong impulse to encourage regional cooperation  [29.07.2021]
An Economic Forum will be held in Skopje on the initiative of North Macedonia, Albania and Serbia [29.07.2021]
Prime Minister Zaev received the newly elected General Secretary of RYCO Hani: Supporting the mobility and connection of young people from the region is an investment in their future [12.07.2021]
Zaev, Vucic, Rama: We are strongly committed to regional cooperation, we are building a European Western Balkan [29.06.2021]
President Vucic and Prime Ministers Rama and Zaev agree that the initiative for regional cooperation is fully in line with the Berlin Process and a good basis for the Summit in Sofia [30.10.2020]
Prime Minister Zaev at the Youth Leadership Forum in Novi Sad: Political leaders should provide all the conditions for young people to accept and lead the wave of changes in their countries and in the region [24.11.2019]
Prime Ministers Zaev and Rama and President Vucic at a trilateral meeting ahead of tomorrow's meeting with the leaders from the Western Balkans, agreed upon the declaration of cooperation[09.11.2019]
Prime Minister Zaev at the trilateral meeting with the President of Serbia Vucic and the Prime Minister of Albania Rama: Let's introduce the European principles of cooperation and functioning and the four freedoms of the EU for the flow of products, mobility of people, services and capital [10.10.2019]