Wednesday, November 6

EU Invests In Western Balkan States, Discusses Enlargement Plans

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EU enlargement, EU Invests In Western Balkan States, Discusses Enlargement Plans, Global Economic Report
German Leader Angela Merkel hosts the 2021 Berlin Process in a virtual meeting.

Angela Merkel Hosts 8th Annual Berlin Process Engaging Western Balkans

July 7, 2021-European Union leaders said they are encouraged by the progress Western Balkan countries are making in pursuit of EU membership. Writing on Twitter, EU President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU needs to “speed up the enlargement process.” She also said the process aids the applicants.

The EU restated its commitment to helping the Western Balkans with post-pandemic economic recovery efforts via infrastructure investments, as well as financial and technical assistance among other avenues.

Berlin Process for Admission

The Berlin Process is the lengthy path to EU membership for Albania (applied 2009), Bosnia and Herzegovina (2008), North Macedonia (2004), Kosovo (2008), Montenegro (2006), and Serbia (2009). The Process, which started in 2014 and is so named for its German leadership, is designed to help close the socio-economic gaps between the EU and the applicant states.

EU enlargement, EU Invests In Western Balkan States, Discusses Enlargement Plans, Global Economic Report
EU President Ursula von der Leyen

EU Enlargement Agenda

“Our first priority is to accelerate the enlargement agenda across the region and support our Western Balkan partners in their work to deliver on the necessary reforms to advance on their European path,” she added during a press conference this week. “Together we have set the course for a more sustainable, more digital and more resilient Europe.” 

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said participants still have hurdles to clear. Notably, though, Merkel stressed to reporters the it is in the EU’s “best interests” to expand to the Western Balkans.

For more information about the investments, see the Berlin Summit website.

EU Invests In Western Balkan States, Discusses Enlargement Plans, Global Economic ReportCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2021 Patti Mohr
EU enlargement, EU Invests In Western Balkan States, Discusses Enlargement Plans, Global Economic Report

Steve Berlin

Steve Berlin is an experienced journalist and communications pro. As a journalist he’s covered everything from high school sports to the U.S. Supreme Court. As an editor, he’s strict and corrects everyone around him. As he’s told his wife, “It must stink living with an editor.” He also taught high school social studies. Steve has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a Master’s in Education from Temple University, and an Associate’s of Applied Science in Emergency Management from Montgomery College (MD).

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