Minister Radulović at the meeting within Berlin process: EU supports enlargement and invite for reconciliation, stronger regional cooperation and creating better conditions for citizens

Empowering of regional cooperation, reconciliation and creating preconditions for better life of citizens are of crucial importance in process of approaching of Western Balkans’ states to the EU. On that path, EU supports European aspirations of the Region and expects pulpable results – has been appraised today at online meeting within Berlin process, at which Foreign Minister Đorđe Radulović participated together with EU officials, Head of diplomacies of the Western Balkans and the Union.

Host of the meeting was Minster of Foreign Affairs of FR Germany Heiko Maas who noted that future of the Western Balkans’ states is in the European Union, that is committed to their progress, particularly in domains of economy, rule of law, fight against corruption and media freedom. Even that, as he stressed, we are living in delicate times, thus it is necessary for Western Balkans and Europe to deliver results.

We must initiate enlargement process again and further continue with regional reconciliation – Maas stated.

European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi highlighted that this Region is priority for the EU, being engaged in the Western Balkans through Economic and Investment Plan, aiming at support of economic recovery, green and digital agenda. He stressed the importance of common regional market, that should enable citizens to travel only with ID cards, remove working permits and facilitate mobility of academic community.

Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Stefano Sannino stated that Western Balkans, as key partner, belongs to the EU.

– We must overcome heritage of the past in order to create joint future. It is necessary to go forward, while enlargement remains crucial aim – Sannino noted.

Minister Radulović stated that, seven years from initiating, the Berlin process became the largest regional initiative, that achieved concrete results in area of connecting youth, transport community, regional economic market and various bilateral topics.

Montenegro believes that secure and prosper Region is of crucial importance for strong Europe. We firmly support the Berlin process, as we consider that it is complementary with the European Integration process and strengthening regional cooperation – Head of Montenegrin diplomacy appraised. Minister Radulović stated that we showed solidarity and togetherness, during the health crisis in the last 18 months.

Without your support we could not succeed. EU showed many times that it is true partner of the Western Balkans – Minister Radulović specified.

He highlighted that Montenegro remains devoted to common goals, regional cooperation, with belief that new negotiation methodology will create new opportunities and accelerate accession to the Europe.

Heads of diplomacies invited on soon opening of negotiations with the North Macedonia and Albania, then liberalization of visas for Kosovo, as well as acceleration of negotiations with Montenegro and Serbia. During the meeting the initiative proposed by Minister of the North Macedonia, for exchange of diplomats that will additionally contribute to understanding among Western Balkans’ states, has been accepted.

Secretary General of Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu, heads of diplomacy of BiH Bisera Turković, Kosovo Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, Serbia Nikola Selaković, North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, Albania Olta Xhaçka, France Jean-Yves Le Drian, Bulgaria Svetlan Stoev, Croatia Gordan Grlić Radman, Italia Luigi di Maio, Poland Zbigniew Rau, Slovenia Anže Logar, Austrian Minister for European and International Affairs Alexander Schallenberg, British Minister for Europe and Americas Wendy Morton, Deputy of Greek Minister for Economic Diplomacy and Openness Konstantinos Fragogiannis, as well as representatives of civil sector participated at the meeting.