Leaders of the Berlin Process and the Western Balkan states, along with several EU members, gathered in Berlin to mark the tenth anniversary of the Berlin Process and to discuss key initiatives aimed at promoting economic integration, connectivity, and stability.
During the summit, CEFTA agreements were highlighted as a historic achievement that will enable the successful implementation of the current Action Plan for the Regional Common Market (CRM).
Danijela Gačeviq, the Acting Director of the CEFTA Secretariat, expressed gratitude to Germany and other participants in the Berlin Process for their support in adopting the CEFTA agreements.
“Each of these agreements brings a series of tangible benefits for our peoples and businesses, without which the mosaic of the Regional Common Market would not be complete. But this is just the beginning. Today, the leaders were clear that they want more results, and CEFTA is determined to deliver them,” said Gačeviq.
Based on the progress made over the past four years, the leaders of the Western Balkans approved a New Action Plan for the Regional Common Market for the years 2025-2028, which sets the direction for improving trade, mobility, and investment throughout the region and integrating with the EU Single Market.
The new four-year plan is divided into six pillars, three of which will be implemented by CEFTA: the free movement of goods, the free movement of services, and horizontal trade measures. This plan aims to harness the region’s potential by promoting trade, investments, and opening the door for accelerated integration into the EU Single Market.
In addition to expanding trade and the market, the summit addressed urgent issues related to the Green Agenda and energy connectivity.
The summit concluded with a joint press conference attended by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and other key figures, signaling strong EU support for the region’s integration and cooperation efforts.
