The Berlin Process for the Western Balkans: Gains and Challenges for Kosovo

January 2018 – The Berlin Process is a German-led initiative with a mandate to facilitate regional cooperation between the Western Balkans Six  countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia – to enable them to join the European Union (EU). The ‘Connectivity Agenda’ is the most important component which aims to link the WB Six together in the fields of transport and energy, which later expanded into youth exchanges and economic relations. Summits held in Germany, Austria, France and Italy established communication between Balkan leaders, designed several infrastructure projects and new regional initiatives. Ahead of the 2018  Summit in London, many pressing issues remain intact and cooperation between WB Six leaders is still far from satisfactory. The London summit must focus on topics that will resolve bilateral issues and promote reconciliation.