During the opening of the Berlin Process summit, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the progress of the Western Balkan states in regional cooperation, highlighting Kosovo’s contribution to its recent achievements in the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA).

Scholz emphasized that Kosovo’s diplomacy in this context represents a big step for regional cooperation.

The Berlin Process, established a decade ago, aims to support the countries of the Western Balkans on their way to the European Union and promote regional cooperation. The chancellor announced the signing of two important documents that will facilitate the daily life of the region’s citizens, including a new action plan for the common regional market and an agreement to expand study opportunities and student mobility.

Scholz also referred to the tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, calling on both countries to focus on the European future and resolve issues through dialogue. He emphasized that full implementation of existing agreements is essential for EU integration and reiterated his full support for the normalization process.

At the end of the speech, Chancellor Scholz underlined the importance of the Berlin Process as a platform for resolving bilateral conflicts and promoting peace and cooperation in the Western Balkans, stressing that he will continue to support these countries on their way to European integration.