Berlin, 14 October, 2024
The 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process was marked with the Summit of this process right in the capital of Germany, where the leaders of the six Western Balkan countries were welcomed by the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Also present were other representatives from EU institutions and member states, representatives from the United Kingdom and from regional and international organizations.
The leaders of the six countries of the Western Balkans signed a new agreement, the fifth in three summits held so far, on access and admission to studies in higher education institutions, and the Joint Declaration on the Common Regional Market 2025-2028. Three declarations were also approved at the summit, including the Re-Emphasis on Good Neighborly Relations and Regional Cooperation, Regional Standards on the Verification of Foreign Direct Investments in the Six Western Balkans, as well as on Access and Cooperation in Research and Innovation Infrastructure.
In the context of the summit sessions, Prime Minister Kurti announced that although the Republika Srpska entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina refuses to ratify the mobility agreement for free movement with IDs, Kosovo starting from January 1 next year will unilaterally allow free movement with identity cards of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During the discussions, he emphasized the importance of the Berlin Process, the Common Market, Europe’s security and foreign influences, progress on the journey towards European integration, regional cooperation and the Growth Plan.
“In two months we will mark two years since Kosovo applied for EU membership. While we declare that enlargement is again on the agenda, the time has come for Kosovo to receive official candidate status. In these last three and a half years, we have recorded extraordinary economic growth, democratic progress and institutional stability, successfully managing some serious security threats”, said Prime Minister Kurti during the first discussion session.
Meanwhile, the second session of the Berlin Process Summit discussed the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, Energy and Connectivity. Prime Minister Kurti expressed Kosovo’s commitment to dealing with the consequences of climate change and commitment to the transition to green energy.
“Our commitment to sustainable growth and climate resilience is clear. However, access to climate finance is crucial to achieving these ambitious goals. The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans must help us to move towards a just transition,” he said. says the prime minister.
The work of the Summit was concluded with the joint working lunch of all the leaders with the European representatives and Chancellor Scholz.
Last modified: October 15, 2024