Berlin Process 2025

The UK government hosts a summit of Western Balkans countries in London to promote regional cooperation and deliver security and growth.

The Berlin Process is an  international platform which brings together governments of all 6 Western Balkans countries, alongside other European partners. Its aim is to increase regional cooperation, support economic development and accelerate its efforts for closer European alignment in the Western Balkans.

As the UK government develops its strategic alliance with Europe, it will work with Germany as initiator of the Berlin Process on our shared priorities in the Western Balkans. Its aims are to:

  • strengthen European security by supporting vulnerable NATO Allies, countering hostile influence and drivers of instability, building resilient communities, addressing the shared threat from irregular migration, serious organised crime and illicit finance
  • promote economic growth by unlocking barriers to trade and investment through enhanced regional cooperation, supporting European alignment, and promoting UK expertise and investment opportunities offered by British business and UK Export Finance (UKEF)

The UK’s hosting of the Berlin Process will deliver on the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.  The process aims to  increase international cooperation to reduce serious and organised crime and irregular migration along key transit routes, help secure the UK’s borders, and keep its streets safe 

The UK will host a series of ministerial-level meetings covering foreign, interior and economic policy, culminating in a Leader’s Summit hosted by the UK Prime Minister.  Multiple side events will take place in the months leading up to the Summit, including forums on business, civil society, youth engagement and gender equality. 

The UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans, Dame Karen Pierce DCMG has been appointed to enhance the UK’s work with regional partners, including delivery of the Berlin Process.

Recent Leaders’ Summits have been held in Berlin, Germany (2024 and 2022) and in Tirana, Albania (2023).

The 6 Western Balkans countries:

  • Albania
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Kosovo
  • Montenegro
  • North Macedonia
  • Serbia