FM attends Berlin Process ministerial meeting

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović Burić 4 July 2019 in Poznan attended a ministerial meeting of the Berlin Process member states

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović Burić 4 July 2019 in Poznan attended a ministerial meeting of the Berlin Process member states, hosted by Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz.

The foreign ministers discussed the future of Europe and the Berlin Process as well as regional cooperation as a cornerstone of social and economic integration of the Western Balkans.

Addressing the meeting, Pejčinović Burić underscored the importance of continuing the committed cooperation within the Berlin Process on implementing the defined objectives, notably strengthening all aspects of connectivity, speeding up reforms, promoting good neighbourly relations and focusing attention on young people. She highlighted the complementarity of the Berlin Process and the EU enlargement strategy, which further encourages the Western Balkans countries (WB6) to hasten the implementation of reforms. Pejčinović Burić reiterated Croatia’s support for the WB6 along their European journey, provided they consistently meet the relevant criteria.

Meetings of foreign, interior and economy ministers were held as part of the Berlin Process summit. The central event of the summit will be a meeting of the heads of state and government on 5 July 2019, to be hosted by Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. Among those attending will be Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

The high-level meetings were preceded by a think tank forum, civil society forum and business forum, attended by representatives of the Croatian Chamber of Economy.

The Berlin Process was launched at Germany’s initiative at a conference of the Western Balkan countries in 2014. Its aim is to boost regional cooperation, security and stability, economic and judicial cooperation, as well as the fight against organized crime and terrorism. By intensifying good-neighbourly relations and transforming the region into an area of peace and stability, the Berlin Process wants to bring the member states closer to the European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

Bulgaria and North Macedonia will take over the co-presidency of the Process from Poland.

 

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