Recently, the initiatives of the European Union (EU) towards the Western Balkan countries have started to gain momentum. It is seen that the EU, which is trying to solve the fragilities in the region, especially in Germany and France, intends to accelerate the membership process of these countries. In particular, Germany is one of the states that most appreciates the efforts of the Western Balkan countries that want to join the EU. France, on the other hand, approaches the EU’s enlargement process towards the Western Balkans with concern compared to Germany. Because Paris, in the enlargement process, primarily wants reforms in the countries of the region such as the fight against corruption, democracy, and the solution of bilateral problems.
The Berlin Process, which was initiated in 2014 under the leadership of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to facilitate the EU integration of the Western Balkans and to increase cooperation between the countries of the region, stands out as an important platform today. So that; The summits, hosted by countries such as Austria, France, Italy, England, and Poland in the past, provided a critical environment for the countries of the region to strengthen their ties with the EU member states. However, it can be said that the Berlin Process has a positive effect on deepening regional cooperation among Western Balkan countries on issues such as infrastructure and economic development.
How Does the Process Towards Cooperation in the Western Balkans Work?
The leaders of the six Western Balkan countries, consisting of Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania, came together at the meeting hosted by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on 3 November 2022 as part of the Berlin Process. In the meeting, which was attended by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the EU Council Charles Michel, many issues, especially the energy crisis, were discussed.
In the said meeting, historical agreements were signed between the Western Balkan countries. For example, by taking an important step towards accelerating EU accession, a consensus has been reached between the countries of the region on travel with identity and mutual recognition of university degrees.[1] The German Chancellor stated that he made efforts at the meeting for the enlargement of the EU within the framework of the accession of the Western Balkan countries, and made the following statement:[2]
“The key to accelerating the EU accession process of the Western Balkan countries is the improvement of regional cooperation. The signed agreements are a great success for the citizens of the region. This shows that the six Western Balkan countries are serious about moving towards the EU with their regional cooperation.”
Leyen also stated that they want to bring the Western Balkan countries closer to the EU as soon as possible and announced that they will provide 1 billion euros of aid to support these countries within the scope of the energy crisis. Western Balkan leaders also expressed their satisfaction with the support to be made on energy security. In addition, with the joint declaration adopted at the end of the meeting, it was stated that it was agreed on the next Berlin Process Summit would be held in Albania.[3]
As can be understood, the agreement on free movement between the Western Balkan countries is a development with the potential to strengthen regional cooperation. In other words, a concrete step has been taken to establish the targeted common regional market. Therefore, the successful implementation of the agreements will lead to an increase in economic cooperation. In addition, these agreements are also advantageous for the Open Balkan Initiative targeting the common regional market.
On the other hand, it can be expected that the deepening of regional cooperation will have a positive effect on the resolution of conflicts in the region. For example, within the scope of this meeting, the leaders of the two countries had the opportunity to meet face-to-face during the ongoing tension between Kosovo and Serbia. Scholz himself voiced his call for a solution to the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo and said that together with Germany and France, they are actively working with the EU to make this possible.[4] However, it should be emphasized that despite all these calls from the EU, the crisis between the parties tends to escalate. Because the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, made it clear in his statement in Berlin that the Union of Serbian Municipalities would not be established within the scope of the normalization process.
Kurti asked, “Is Serbia ready to establish Municipal Unions for Albanians, Hungarians, and Bosnians? You can’t ask others to do things you’re not ready to do in your own home.” Their statements show that the Pristina administration did not make any concessions despite all the efforts of the EU.[5] Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic also canceled all his foreign visits due to the latest developments with Kosovo. Therefore, the crisis between the two countries negatively affects the constructive atmosphere created within the scope of the Berlin Process.
In conclusion, it can be said that the Berlin Process is promising in terms of strengthening and deepening cooperation among the Western Balkan countries and thus ensuring regional peace. This will accelerate the EU accession process of the countries in the region.
[1] “Western Balkans Sign Landmark Agreements in Berlin Ahead of December Summit”, Euractiv, https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/western-balkans-sign-landmark-agreements-in-berlin-ahead-of-december-summit/, (Date of Accession: 04.11.2022).
[2] “Batı Balkan Ülkeleri Arasında İşbirliğini Artırmak İçin Berlin’de 3 Anlaşma İmzalandı”, Anadolu Ajansı, https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/dunya/bati-balkan-ulkeleri-arasinda-isbirligini-artirmak-icin-berlinde-3-anlasma-imzalandi/2728973, (Date of Accession: 04.11.2022).
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] @admirim, “Is Serbia ready for Associations of Municipalities for Albanians, Hungarians, Bosniaks? You can’t ask of others what you aren’t ready to do in your own home.” Twitter, https://twitter.com/admirim/status/1588293124819935233, (Date of Accession: 04.11.2022).
