Leaders from the Western Balkans are meeting today in London to participate in the Berlin Process, alongside leaders from several European Union countries, to discuss strengthening political, economic, and infrastructure cooperation, as well as accelerating European integration in the region.
The Berlin Process is a diplomatic initiative founded in 2014 by then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel, aimed at bringing the countries of the Western Balkans closer to the EU.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host leaders from Kosovo, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia, along with representatives from Germany, France, and other EU member states.
- Kosovo: Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti
- Albania: Prime Minister Edi Rama
- Serbia: Prime Minister Gjuro Macut
- Montenegro: Prime Minister Milojko Spajić
- North Macedonia: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers Borjana Krishto
- Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz
On Tuesday, a day before the summit, King Charles III hosted a reception for the participants.
The UK Foreign Office stated that leaders will discuss stability, security, and economic cooperation in the region, with a particular focus on combating illegal migration, targeting smuggling routes, and returning those without legal status to their countries of origin.
Britain also emphasized its aim to rebuild relations with the EU.
To date, Western Balkan and EU leaders have met 11 times: four times in Berlin, and once each in London, Vienna, Paris, Trieste, Poznan, Sofia, and Tirana.
