Leaders from across the Western Balkans and Europe gathered in Miločer, Montenegro, on 22 October for the Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit, bringing Montenegro’s 2026 chairmanship of the initiative to a close.
The Summit brought together leaders from all six Western Balkan partners, representatives of EU Member States, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, and representatives of regional and international organisations and financial institutions.
Discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation, economic integration and connectivity, while supporting the Western Balkans on their path towards European Union membership.
Regional cooperation on the path to the EU
Launched in 2014, the Berlin Process supports closer cooperation among the Western Balkan partners and their European partners, complementing the region’s EU integration process.
This year’s Montenegrin chairmanship brought together governments, EU institutions, regional organisations, civil society, young people, businesses and experts through a series of meetings and events focused on areas including economic cooperation, security, the green transition and digital transformation.
At the Leaders’ Summit, regional cooperation and closer economic integration were again linked to the Western Balkans’ broader European perspective, including efforts to strengthen the Common Regional Market and bring the region gradually closer to the EU Single Market.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos highlighted the importance of the moment for the region as she arrived at the Summit.
“We have weeks and months of defining moments ahead of us.”
Kos pointed to the progress of Western Balkan partners on their respective European paths and welcomed the opportunity for leaders from the region and the wider Berlin Process to come together in Montenegro.
Keeping the region in motion
The Summit concluded a year of activities under Montenegro’s chairmanship, with regional cooperation, European integration and delivering concrete benefits for citizens at the centre of the agenda.
The Berlin Process continues to provide a platform for the Western Balkan partners to work together with EU Member States and institutions on shared priorities, from economic integration and connectivity to security, youth cooperation and sustainable development.
As the region moves forward on its European path, the focus remains on turning regional commitments into tangible progress and bringing the Western Balkans closer to the European Union.
Cover photo: EC – Audiovisual Service
