German Chancellor Hosts Summit for Western Balkan States
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is hosting leaders of six Western Balkan states in Berlin for a summit aimed at strengthening ties with the European Union. The summit, also attended by EU President Ursula von der Leyen, aims to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process.
What is the Berlin Process?
Established in 2014, the Berlin Process aims to integrate Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia with the EU. Chancellor Scholz will focus on the progress made by these countries, with the exception of Kosovo, which is not an official candidate for EU membership.
Despite declaring independence from Serbia in 2008, Kosovo faces challenges as five EU members do not recognize its sovereignty. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is also attending the summit due to Hungary’s influence in the region and its EU Council presidency.
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