Most online media cover the conclusions of the Berlin Summit. Below is the full text of the conclusions as included in a press release issued by the Office of the German Chancellor.
Today, Western Balkans leaders, together with the Prime Ministers of Croatia and Slovenia, and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission have met in Berlin for a meeting organized by the President of France and the German Chancellor. They recalled the common European perspective of the Western Balkans. They praised the successful conclusion of the agreement on the name dispute between Greece and Northern Macedonia as an outstanding example of successful conflict resolution. They emphasized the importance of a final, legally binding agreement on the complete normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina for stability in the region. Such an agreement is central to the path of Serbia and Kosovo to Europe. They agreed that such an agreement should be both comprehensive and politically sustainable and contribute to stability in the region. Serbia and Kosovo agreed to press ahead with their efforts to implement existing agreements and to engage constructively in the dialogue for the normalization of relations, through the EU, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive and final agreement. The participants underlined the importance of an inclusive and transparent negotiation process, which should be flanked by confidence-building measures. They agreed to step up their efforts to establish a regional economic area in accordance with the statement of the 2018 Sofia Summit and the Presidency Conclusions of the 2018 Western Balkans Summit. All participants confirmed their commitment to cooperation within the framework of the so-called Berlin Process. Connectivity, economic cooperation, free trade, security co-operation, youth exchanges and reconciliation are central elements of the process. They reaffirmed their support for the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO). They look forward to the upcoming summit in Poznan, Poland. Participants agreed to expand their cooperation to prevent radicalization and combat terrorism, the illicit SALW trade and illegal migration. The participants emphasized their unwavering commitment to democracy, including the central role of elections and parliamentary institutions, the rule of law and good governance, the fight against corruption and organized crime, and the role of civil society and independent media. They agreed that sustainable reforms are central to the European perspective of the region and to strengthening the resilience of societies to the internal and external challenges of our time. They reaffirmed their commitment to the stability of the region. To this end, the participants welcomed Croatia’s intention to organize an EU Western Balkans Summit during its EU Presidency in 2020.
