Challenges and Opportunities at the Western Balkans Summit

The recent Western Balkans summit in Berlin, hosted under the auspices of the Berlin Process, underscored the complex journey of the region towards European Union membership. Spearheaded by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the meeting gathered leaders from the EU and the Western Balkans to evaluate progress and address persistent challenges.

The Berlin Process, initiated ten years ago, aims to support the integration of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia into the EU. Despite the process's decade-long efforts, significant hurdles remain. Nationalism is resurging, and external influences from China and Russia are growing, posing challenges to stability and EU alignment.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, attending due to Hungary's influence in the region and its EU Council presidency, engaged in bilateral talks. The summit highlighted the EU's commitment to these countries' future membership as a geopolitical necessity, emphasized by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

Key discussions included advancing economic cooperation through the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) and establishing a regional market. However, implementation is stymied by political tensions, such as Serbia's refusal to recognize Kosovo. Yet, projects like the regional youth exchange initiative offer hope for reconciliation.

Practical benefits, such as reducing roaming charges and mutual recognition of qualifications, are tangible steps forward. Despite these efforts, skepticism persists about the EU's commitment. The summit, marking a critical juncture, seeks to transform promises into action and ensure the Berlin Process continues fostering integration and stability in the Balkans.