Germany has "special plan for Western Balkans"
Citing diplomatic sources, Vecernje Novosti is reporting that Berlin has prepared a “mini Marshall Plan” for the Balkans, which should over the next few years boost the economies in the region. This proposal will soon be on the table of the European Council in Brussels, which should approve it and set up a special fund for the Balkan countries. The aforementioned plan is called “Berlin Plus” – but the money for its implementation should, among other sources, come from the European Economic Area (EEA) consisting of all EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, as well as the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), where Switzerland is also a member. Vecernje Novosti writes that one of the goals is to network the Western Balkans with infrastructure such as highways that would connect Serbia with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Belgrade with Tirana, via Pristina. The intention is to in this way “skip” the uncertain period of the next few years in which the EU, pressed by numerous crises, does not intend to continue enlarging. A strong reason to activate the “Berlin plus” is also to reduce tensions in the region.