Leaders of the Western Balkans and representatives of several Western countries will meet on Monday in the German capital, at the invitation of the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scolz, to discuss the next objectives within the Berlin Process.

Short for the Berlin Process

It has been organized since 2014, at the initiative of the then German chancellor, Angela Merkel, after a pause decided by European Union officials in the process of expanding the European bloc.

The Berlin process does not have a fixed structure, i.e. it does not have a central coordinating mechanism, and it is held in different places.

Over the years, meetings have been held in Tirana, London, Paris, Vienna or Poznan.

There is no punishment mechanism either.

In addition to the Governments of the Balkan countries - Kosovo, Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina - and 10 Western partner countries, European Union institutions, international financial institutions and organizations also participate in the meetings of the Berlin Process. regional.

It has expanded over the years, and until the main summit is held, such as this one on October 14, throughout the year a multitude of meetings are held at ministerial levels, as well as many side events focusing on the digital, business, youth, civil society, issues gender and scientific conferences.

The official website of the platform states that "The Berlin Process helps the Western Balkans and its inhabitants to be closer to each other".

But how much has this objective been achieved?

It is true that the meetings of the leaders of the Balkans have become frequent and their joint photographs have become something normal.

However, relations between Kosovo and Serbia have sometimes been considered an obstacle in the implementation of some agreements.

Likewise, Bosnia and Herzegovina's non-recognition of Kosovo's citizenship has hindered other agreements. One of them is that of free movement.

Residents of the two countries continue to obtain visas if they want to visit each other.

Main goals

In addition to improving regional cooperation, another goal of the Berlin Process is to increase the cooperation of the Balkans with the EU, so that the region has European standards, and that the inhabitants of the Balkans see concrete results.

The initiative is focused on economic development, energy security, green agenda, partnership for the climate, increasing connections in the region through infrastructure projects and the full involvement of communities in social processes.

Among the most notable agreements are those on the Common Regional Market and what is known as the 'Lishness Agenda' for accelerating economic growth and creating jobs through the free movement of people and goods.

None of them have been implemented point by point.

What has been achieved over the years?

The agreement on "roaming" or the gradual removal of fees for mobile phones and the Internet, entered into force in 2023.

What is expected from the October 14 meeting?

Political pundits have mentioned the launch of a Regional Common Market 2.

The road to reaching an agreement has been unblocked since Kosovo lifted a ban on goods from Serbia at the Merdare crossing a few days ago.

German officials in particular have continuously called on Kosovo to remove that measure, arguing that it was violating the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), and that it was jeopardizing participation in regional initiatives.

The restrictive measures were imposed in June 2023, after the arrest of three Kosovar policemen by the Serbian authorities. The police officers were released in the meantime, but the measure remained in force.

European officials constantly mention the need to carry out the necessary reforms by the Balkan countries, so that the region is integrated into the European Union as soon as possible and Russia has no chance of destabilizing either this region or the EU through it. .

Currently, only Kosovo does not have the status of a candidate country for EU membership, although it has officially applied to become a member in December 2022./REL/