WESTERN BALKANS SUMMIT VIENNA 2015

 

The second Summit Meeting on the Western Balkans was held on 27 August 2015 in Vienna within the ‘Berlin Process’ framework. Among the discussed priorities were transport and energy connectivity, enhancing youth mobility, rule of law, migration.

In order to enhance their dialogue, the 8 Western Balkan countries have expressed their willingness to make full use of the relevant regional initiatives such as the EU macro-regional strategies for the Danube and the Adriatic-Ionian regions, an opportunity that is open for them due to the importance that they put in topics presented as priorities for the macro-regional strategies.

Particular attention has been given to the efforts for improving the living conditions in the region and increasing the trust in well-functioning institutions. Further to that priority is added the enhancement of economic policy and its governance in the Western Balkan countries. It was also recognized that the involvment of the social partners is crucial for the ongoing economic reform process in the region.

It was suggested that civil society should be made an additional important element of the Berlin Process, as civil society contributions should be present in the EU integration process of the Western Balkan countries.

Further details can be found in the attached Final Declaration of the Summit.