Berlin Process Summit: Western Balkans economic cooperation to accelerate EU integration
Tirana, 16 October 2023 (MIA) – At the Berlin Process Summit in Tirana on Monday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union’s doors are open to all who want to move forward. She stressed one of the main topics of the Summit will be the economy of the Western Balkans, noting the growth plan she presented in May 2023.
“This is a very special summit today. This is the 10th Summit of the Berlin Process, but the first one to be held in the Western Balkans. One of the main topics will be the economy of the Western Balkans. That’s why I presented my growth plan. We want to give them access to the European single market, but that requires reforms in the Western Balkan countries. This is an encouragement for all those who truly want to move forward, want to improve the economy. Our doors are open and let’s work today on this growth plan,” Ursula von der Leyen told the media according to MIA’s reporter in Tirana.
In her address at the working sessions, von der Leyen said the EU wants to open the doors in specific areas of the single market to Western Balkan companies.
“But of course, opening the door is not enough. The Western Balkan countries also need to complete their Common Regional Market. And this means that it is a condition that the Western Balkan countries also give access to their neighbor’s to their market [give their neighbors access to their market]. In other words, if I turn it around, if there are blockages, the only one you can block is yourself. The others will move on,” said von der Leyen.
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, noted that the journey of the Western Balkan countries to the EU is slow, which is disappointing for both the countries and the EU.
“Our partners and friends in the region, you know you must deliver on your commitments – starting with the necessary reforms. And in the EU, we need to prepare to welcome new members. I believe we must be ready – on both sides – by 2030 to enlarge,” said Michel.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the progress made by the countries towards a common regional market will bring them significantly closer to the EU.
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