Skopje, 1 June 2023 (MIA) – The three Berlin Process agreements between North Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo, on free movement in the region using ID cards; recognition of university diplomas; and the recognition of the professional qualifications of doctors, dentists and architects, signed on November 3, 2022, enter into force on Thursday. The agreements are expected to enter into force in the remaining three signatory countries, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, very soon, in line with their legal procedures, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press release.

The agreements enable free movement of people within the Western Balkans using only ID cards; mobility of students, professors and academic staff, the period of recognition of diplomas will be shortened from a few months to two weeks and without the associated expenses; doctors, dentists and architects will be free to provide their services throughout the region.

“Each of these agreements provides a specific opportunity to help our citizens use their potential, expand their experiences and contribute for the good of our region. The agreements represent a significant step forward in our efforts to provide the citizens with freedom of movement and integration, as a prerequisite for the establishment of a common regional market, which will in turn be the safest and fastest way to achieve our shared goal – accession to the European Union,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia was chosen as the depository of the three agreements.