CEFTA agreements and the new Action Plan for the Common Regional Market in focus at the tenth Summit of the Berlin Process

Leaders of the Berlin Process from the Western Balkans and individual European Union member states gathered in Berlin to mark the tenth anniversary of the Berlin Process and discuss key initiatives aimed at encouraging economic integration, connectivity and sustainability.

Danijela Gačević, acting director of the CEFTA Secretariat, attended the Summit hosted by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

During the Summit, CEFTA agreements are highlighted as a revolutionary achievement which will enable the successful implementation of the current Action Plan for the Common Regional Market. Danijela Gačević, acting director of the CEFTA Secretariat, expressed her gratitude to Germany and other participants in the Berlin process for their support in the adoption of the CEFTA agreement. Explaining their importance, she added: “Each of these agreements brings a number of concrete benefits for our citizens and the economy, without which the puzzle of the Common Regional Market is not complete. However, this is just the beginning. Leaders have made clear their desire for even greater results, and CEFTA is determined to deliver.”

Building on the progress achieved in the last four years, the leaders of the Western Balkans adopted a new Action plan for the Common Regional Market for the period 2025-2028which sets the direction for the improvement of trade, mobility and investment in the region, as well as for integration with the EU Single Market. The new four-year plan is divided into six pillars, of which CEFTA will implement three: free movement of goods, free movement of services and horizontal trade measures. The plan aims to unlock the region’s potential by increasing trade, investment and opening the door for accelerated integration into the EU Single Market.

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

Photo: CEFTA