Merkel for the Western Balkans: Compliance Needed

„Although the meeting will only take place with videos, I am glad that we will be able to continue co-operation with heads of state and governments from the six Western Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia”, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in her weekly postist in Berlin on Saturday (2.7,2021).

Help for stability and dialogue

Merkel reminded further of the Berlin Process initiated by Germany in 2014: “then and today the goal is to provide the most concrete assistance to the region's stability and peaceful dialogue between all parties”, the Christian Democrat politician went on.

German Chancellor recalled the EU and Germany's responsibility towards the Western Balkans: “It is a part of Europe, where the wounds of the 1990s wars have not yet healed, of violence among ethnic groups. But: Many citizens, who have their roots in the Western Balkan countries, also live in Germany, recalled the Chancellor further.

For me it's clear: We, EU member states, are very interested in a peaceful and good development of the Western Balkans. And we have a responsibility to actually engage in this”

Changing Youths

Merkel further singled out some of the achievements of the Berlin Process: „Youth Forum of the Western Balkans, which brings together young people from ethnicity, languages and different religions”, but also „in professional education, in mutual recognition of high school diplomas and in the co-operation of science”, as well as „improvements in transport and infrastructure projects, which connect the region<5>.

All are important steps to achieve continued communication across borders, which helps to reduce reserves. And brings these countries together to their goal of meeting the conditions for EU membership. I am convinced that sooner or later their future will really be in united Europe”, the Chancellor said.

Lipsets still reconciliation

Further, Merkel focused on the challenges of the region. „Ende has not disappeared, and old nationalisms, which very often spark bilateral disputes”.

Even in the future, reconciliation is needed, said the Berlin Process initiative: “That means dealing with the past, but also everything possible for the new generation to live in peace”

„I am convinced that with annual Western Balkans conferences, we can assist in this process”, Chancellor Merkel concluded.