President of the Republic, Ilir Meta, stated that Albania, as well as other countries of the Western Balkans, should focus on the implementation of the Berlin process. Meta was invited this Friday to the IX Global Forum in Azerbaijan where the security of the Western Balkans in Europe was discussed. 

According to the Head of State, the EU could not be stronger in the international arena without the integration of the Western Balkan countries. 

"The European Union can be neither stronger nor bigger in the international arena without the integration of the Western Balkan countries. We consider the mechanism of the Berlin Process as the main catalyst for the EU integration of the Western Balkans. 

We must focus on the immediate implementation of the Berlin Process and not be distracted or confused by alternative, non-comprehensive alternative approaches. 

Why the Berlin Process? Because the Berlin Process supports the creation of a common regional market based on four freedoms. All 6 countries are part of and fully support this process. Only a few leaders support the Open Balkans alternative! 

The Berlin process has the EU as part of it. Open Balkans no! The Berlin Process has financial instruments to support connectivity projects. Open Balkans no! The Berlin Process strengthens the enlargement process, adapting the required reforms to financial rewards. 

The Open Balkans is presented as an alternative to EU membership, alienating the region as a hybrid political community. The Berlin Process contains the 6 countries of the Western Balkans on the political table of the European Union. 

Every process that has the EU within it represents the will of our countries. Any process that divides the EU represents the political fear of autocratic leaders for losing their power! 

I would like to welcome the clear commitment of the new German Chancellor recently in our region to accelerate the Berlin Process and the importance of dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, not only for the normalization of their relations, but also for mutual recognition," Meta said.