Berlin Process Summit Launches in London

The Berlin Process summit, attended by leaders of the Western Balkans along with leaders of several European Union states, has started in London.

Leaders are expected to talk about strengthening political, economic and infrastructure co-operation, as well as accelerating the European integration of Balkan countries.

The Berlin process is a diplomatic initiative established in 2014 by then German Chancellor Angela Merkel, aimed at bringing countries in the region with the European Union.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has welcomed leaders from Kosovo, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Northern Macedonia, as well as representatives from Germany, France and other EU members.

Kosovo is representing incumbent Prime Minister Albin Kurti. He was welcomed to the summit by UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Yves Cooper.

Albania is represented by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Serbia is representing Prime Minister Djuro Macut, Montenegro Prime Minister Milojko Spajiq, Northern Macedonia Prime Minister Hristian Mickoski, while Bosnia is chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Christo.

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz also attends the summit.

The day before the summit Tuesday, British King Charles III arranged a reception for the participants.

What is the Berlin Process?

The Berlin Process was launched in 2014, at the initiative of then German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The aim of its summits, held annually, is to boost co-operation among Western Balkan countries Kosovo, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia, and gradually draw them closer to the EU.

Of the six countries in the region, only Kosovo is not an official candidate for EU membership.

Within the Berlin Process, several agreements and statements have been made over the years, but many of them have not been implemented.

Britain's Foreign Ministry said in a communique that leaders will talk about stability, security and economic co-operation in the region, where the fight against illegal migration, particularly on the main smuggling routes, will be highlighted as a key topic.

Britain expects the summit to strengthen its co-operation with European partners to implement the Government's strategy to strengthen borders, hit gangs and return those who do not have the right to stay in their countries of origin.

She also stressed that the UK is seeking to rebuild its relationship with the EU.

So far, leaders of the Western Balkans and the EU have met 11 times: four times in Berlin and from once in London, Vienna, Paris, Trieste, Poznan, Sofia and Tirana. / REL/ Periscope.