Politicians from Balkan countries have expressed concern over the possible outcome of the British referendum on leaving the European Union on Thursday. Polls show a tied race between camps who want to leave the Union, and those in favor of reforming it from the inside, or striking a separate deal for the United Kingdom.
"My greatest concern is that, whatever happens with Britain, the western Balkans will fall off the radar", said Tanja Miscevic, chief of Serbia's negotiations for EU accession.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, whose country was featured in numerous campaign ads on the part of British politicians in favor of leaving the EU, has urged the United Kingdom to remain in the Union. Rama wrote an open letter in British newspapers after Albania was listed among countries who the Leave campaign would not want to see in the Union, but was also named as a country that currently has a good working relationship with EU on trade and travel, a relationship which many in the United Kingdom would like to have as well-without the political interference of Brussels in British matters. Rama urged the British not to leave the Union, saying that the current status of Albania with regard to the EU is not something that the United Kingdom should want to emulate.
Speaking on Wednesday, Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki joined in the Balkan calls for the United Kingdom to remain in the Union. "Where the UK is going to be is a question for the Brits and only they are entitled to decide whether to leave or remain in the EU. One thing is clear – it is better to remain in the EU both for Europe and the UK. Ultimately, the citizens will have their say. Those wanting to join the EU, like us, and those that are already members should behave in accordance with their interests. From Macedonia’s point of view, we believe that we should join the EU and be included in the decision-making process", Poposki said.