Leaders of the Western Balkans have officially signed a new phase of the Action Plan for the Joint Regional Market 2025-2028 (CRM 2.0). This milestone was celebrated at a summit in Germany’s capital, marking the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process. The leaders commended the efforts of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and its partners in preparing the document.
In addition to the Action Plan, the leaders signed the Agreement on Access to Higher Education and Admission to Studies in the Western Balkans. They also adopted two key declarations: one focusing on access and cooperation in research and innovation infrastructure, and another outlining regional standards for evaluating foreign direct investments.
Majlinda Bregu, the Secretary-General of the RCC, highlighted the significance of the signed plan, which sets a roadmap for the next four years. This second phase of the Joint Regional Market aims for sustainable growth and serves as a comprehensive framework for regional cooperation that benefits the common good. Bregu emphasized that the plan addresses various policy areas, including digital transition, trade, investment, innovation and green transition, establishing a solid foundation based on the initial phase of the Joint Regional Market and aligning with the new EU Growth Plan.
The RCC noted that the leaders acknowledged the achievements of the Joint Regional Market from 2021 to 2024, emphasizing the RCC’s role in facilitating these efforts. Key accomplishments include the freedom of movement with ID cards, mutual recognition of higher education qualifications, a fully operational roaming regime akin to home services, reduced data transfer costs in roaming between the EU and the Western Balkans, progress toward SEPA membership, establishment of green corridors, and decreased waiting times. The leaders reiterated the necessity for enhanced regional cooperation in the upcoming phase.
Reflecting on her six-year tenure, Bregu stated that the region has never been more aware of the importance of regional collaboration, largely due to the European integration process. She described the Joint Regional Market as a significant opportunity and a challenge that encourages a shared vision for the region’s future in Europe. While integrating markets, the region also fosters a common European identity, countering isolationist tendencies and showcasing the benefits of cooperation as a catalyst for progress.
The newly signed Agreement on Access to Higher Education aims to enhance student mobility and secure rights for students to attend accredited institutions in the region. This agreement, along with those signed at previous Berlin Process summits, is expected to further facilitate free movement in the Western Balkans.
The newly adopted declarations focus on promoting partnerships in research and innovation, fostering a dynamic regional innovation ecosystem, and aligning investment policies with EU standards and best practices.
The leaders also praised the results of the first Ministerial Meeting on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, held last week in Hamburg. The Hamburg Declaration, confirmed during this meeting, reaffirms the commitment of the six Western Balkan countries to the full and timely implementation of the Green Agenda and its Action Plan for 2021-2030. The RCC will facilitate and monitor this process, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050.
