Berlin, 14 October 2024  – Berlin Process leaders from the Western Balkans and some EU Member States gathered today in Berlin to mark ten years anniversary of the Berlin Process and to discuss key initiatives aimed at fostering economic integration, connectivity, and sustainability. Danijela Gačević, the Acting Director of the CEFTA Secretariat, attended the Summit, hosted by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

During the Summit, CEFTA’s agreements were highlighted as groundbreaking achievement in which will enable the successful implementation of the current Common Regional Market (CRM) Action Plan.

Danijela Gačević, Acting Director of the CEFTA Secretariat expressed gratitude to Germany and other participants of the Berlin Process for their support for the adoption of the CEFTA agreements. Explaining their significance she added: „Each of these agreements bring a set of tangible benefits for our people and businesses, without which the puzzle of the Common Regional Market is not complete. But this is just a beginning. Today, the leaders were clear that they want more results and CEFTA is determined to deliver“.

Building on the progress made in the past four years, the Western Balkans leaders adopted a new Common Regional Market Action Plan for 2025-2028, which sets the direction for enhancing trade, mobility, and investment across the region and integration with the EU Single Market. New four year plan is divided in the 6 pillars out of which 3 pillars are to be implemented by CEFTA: free movement of goods, free movement of services and horizontal trade measures. The Plan aims to unlock the potential of the region by boosting trade, investment and opening the door for accelerated integration into EU Single Market.

In addition to trade and market expansion, the Summit addressed pressing issues related to the Green Agenda and energy connectivity. The Summit concluded with a joint press conference featuring Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and other key figures, signaling a strong EU support for the region’s integration and cooperation efforts.