
AI-generated summary
The Berlin Process was launched in 2014 by then Chancellor Angela Merkel to support the accession of the Western Balkan states to the EU. All six countries have been applying for EU membership for many years.
The expansion of the EU through the six Western Balkan states: For Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU), it is “a acid test for Europe”. Wadephul is meeting today in Montenegro as part of the so-called Berlin Process with his European counterparts and the representatives of the six Balkan states, i.e. Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
Balkan states have wanted to join the EU for years
All six countries have been applying for EU membership for many years. The so-called Berlin Process was launched in 2014 by then Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The German Foreign Minister described the EU accession of the six countries as a core interest of Europe in view of the growing influence of Russia and China in the Western Balkan region. Only if the EU now offers these countries a credible perspective will the geopolitical scope of the European Union be permanently secured.
Onward journey to Italy
In the afternoon Wadephul will travel on to Italy. In addition to consultations with his Italian counterpart, he will also meet the Pope's foreign representative there tomorrow. He was in Moscow for diplomatic talks with the Vatican in August.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The EU will agree on concrete reform requirements for the Western Balkan states as part of the Berlin Process.
Likely · Within weeks
Wadephul will speak in Italy about cooperation between the EU and the Vatican on foreign policy issues.
Likely · Within days

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