Ramush Haradinaj, former Prime Minister of Kosovo and leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, spoke on the show “Oponencë” about economic policies and regional initiatives, addressing relations with Serbia as well as the “Open Balkan” initiative.
Haradinaj said that the 100% tariff on Serbian products, introduced during his time in government, if it had been maintained, would have contributed to strengthening economic integration between Kosovo and Albania.
“If this tariff had been kept, we would have unified as a market, Kosovo and Albania,” he stated.
He added that during that time, large companies had complained about the measure against Serbian products.
“Large companies complained to me about the tariff and I told them: if you establish the company in Albania, we will take the product without tax, while they operate under Serbian legislation,” Haradinaj said.
Speaking about regional cooperation, Haradinaj also referred to the “Open Balkan” initiative, for which he said he is open in principle, but with a clear political condition.
“I am for Open Balkan, but with one demand: Serbia to recognize Kosovo,” he stated.
According to him, such an initiative must guarantee equality between states and avoid tensions or clashes between parties, emphasizing that each country must have the opportunity to cooperate freely with others.
“Open Balkan should allow every state to be more open with other states, without upsetting the other parties,” he concluded.
