The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel said during the Berlin Summit that she sees the integration of the 6 countries, part of the Western Balkans into the European Union as a “geostrategic objective”.
“It is in the European Union’s own interests to advance the process forward here,” said Merkel during the virtual conference between the EU and leaders of the Western Balkans
The German leader didn’t mention Russia or China but she implied the influence of these two nations on the region.
She also noted that Germany will be donating 3 million doses of the anti-COVID vaccines to this region.
Merkel started the Process of Berlin back in 2014, in order to promote regional cooperation in the Western Balkans, as well as their integration into the EU.
The Chancellor mentioned the drop of roaming tariffs by calling it a success, but added that the region still has a lot of “lights and shadows” referring to the problems following the dissolution of former Yugoslavia.
Merkel also spoke on the Serbia-Kosovo relations, the lack of internal functionality in Bosnia as well as the recent disagreements between Bulgaria and North Macedonia.
“We need a lot of patience and a lot of commitment,” declared Merkel.
Countries of the Western Balkans are currently situated in different phases in their integration road to the EU.
Montenegro and Serbia are currently more advances because they have already opened up negotiations and several other membership chapters.
Albania and North Macedonia are still awaiting the official accession of negotiations whereas Bosnia Hercegovina and Kosovo are still potential candidates.
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