"Mini Schengen" as preparation for the EU

The idea of ​​a "mini-Schengen" could be the most important political initiative in the Western Balkans, according to an analysis by the International Institute for Middle Eastern and Balkan Studies (IFIMES). By implementing that initiative, as it is pointed out, the states of the region would begin to use the key freedoms that membership in the European Union (EU) brings, such as the freedom of movement of people, goods and capital.

"The three countries that launched the initiative would regulate many areas with new rules and create a much more attractive environment for investment and cooperation. Their project could become the most important political initiative of the 21st century in the Western Balkans," the analysis states.

In mid-October, the presidents of Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania signed an initiative in Ohrid for the introduction of a "mini-Schengen" which would create the conditions for citizens of those three countries to cross borders with an ID card by the end of 2021. They said that this would open up the labor market and reduce millions of losses and long waiting times for trucks at the borders. Although the presidents of the three countries called for other countries in the region to join the initiative, Kosovo officials rejected the proposal, while representatives of the Government of Montenegro abstained. Economy Minister Dragica Sekulić said that the initiative is a waste of time, while Prime Minister Duško Marković said that Montenegro will put facts and political interests on the table, stating that it supports "initiatives that should speed up the European integration process, and not represent a substitute for it." .

IFIMES claims that the members of the "mini Schengen" would have to go through a more complicated implementation procedure and implement significant changes in laws related to the market, taxes and the financial system. Recalling the reticence of the official Podgorica regarding the initiative, IFIMES believes that Montenegro is not safe on its way to the EU even though it has opened 32 negotiation chapters.

"Montenegro could be further and further away from EU membership due to the internal political situation that can cause instability and make it dangerous for peace in the region," the analysis points out.

Referring to the evaluations of analysts in IFIMES, they stated that "mini Schengen" does not represent an alternative for joining the EU, but a gradual preparation for joining the Union. Freedom of movement, as pointed out, would have a positive impact on the countries of the Western Balkans because it would open a "market of 20 million customers".

"Companies that come to the region do not need to worry about the workforce, because they will be able to hire qualified workers from all countries without additional procedures," the analysis states.