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 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.
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