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What is the Berlin Process summit for the Western Balkans?

October 21, 2025

The Berlin Process was launched in the German capital in 2014 with the aim of bringing Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia closer to the EU. This year, the summit will take place in London on October 22. What has been achieved so far?

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The term "Western Balkans" is used to designate six countries in southeastern Europe: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Although none are EU members, they all aspire to be part of the European family.

In 2014, a platform called the Berlin Process for the Western Balkans was launched in the German capital with the aim of helping these countries move closer to the EU. 

Every year, representatives of the Western Balkan countries, the Berlin Process host countries and the EU come together for a number of meetings in a different European city to discuss a wide range of subjects including the economy, security, the environment and mobility. 

On October 22, the platform will celebrate its 11th anniversary in London. Just over a decade on, what has been achieved by the Berlin Process? And what hasn't?

A woman with long brown hair (Lavinia Pitu) smiles at the camera; in the background is a cityscape with buildings, church towers and a river.
Lavinia Pitu Video editor, investigative journalist, TV presenter