The Chair’s Conclusions from the Tirana WB6 Summit held within the framework of the Berlin Process on October 16th 2023 welcomed the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the implementation of mobility agreements signed in 2022. Emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in the face of geopolitical uncertainty and ongoing conflicts on the European soil, the document stressed the need to enhance connectivity in transport, trade, energy, and digital domains. The Growth Plan seeks to accelerate economic integration in the region by advancing domestic reforms, particularly in the rule of law and anti-organized crime efforts. Leaders expressed the desire to bridge socio-economic disparities with the EU, supporting periodic monitoring of convergence and participation in EU discussions. The Conclusions also highlighted investments in transport and railway connectivity and called for deeper cooperation in security policy. Concerns were raised about recent events in Kosovo’s north, affecting peace and reconciliation. Participants encouraged European efforts to unblock the EU-facilitated dialogue, stressing the importance of tailored mechanisms for economic development, youth, education, and civil society cooperation, along with ongoing support for the rule of law and EU accession paths in the Western Balkans. Regional cooperation and good neighborly relations were seen as pivotal for EU prospects, with the proposal of robust conditionality within the Growth Plan’s criteria.

Read more about the Chair’s Conclusions of the 2023 Berlin Process Summit.

Joint Declaration of Intent between the Leaders of the Western Balkans Six and the Federal Republic of Germany on the Regional Climate Partnership Tirana, 16 October 2023
Agreement on the recognition of professional qualifications of nurses, veterinary surgeons, pharmacists, and midwives in the Central European free trade agreement context
Joint Declaration on the Single Euro Payments Are (SEPA)
Joint declaration of Western Balkan Six, World Bank, Southeast European Parties of the Transport Community Treaty, CEFTA on facilitation of trade and transport
Regional Joint Statement on prevention of plastic pollution, including Marine Litter
Joint Declaration on the WiFi for Western Balkans Initiative
Joint declaration on the establishment of a convergence observatory in the Western Balkans