On May 11, 2026 the first meeting of labour and employment ministers under the Berlin Process took place, hosted by the German Federal Minister Bärbel Bas and the Montenegrin Minister Naida Nišić (Berlin Process Chair 2026). At this high-level conference in Berlin entitled “Western Balkans Conference: Advancing Employment and Social Policy Together”, they launched together with the other ministers from the region a joint work plan for the future regional cooperation in the area of employment and social policy. The aim is to foster dialogue and the exchange of expertise within the region to support employment and social policy reforms on the Western-Balkans-Six’ path to EU membership.
The conference marked the finalisation of the Berlin Process's jointly developed Work Plan for Employment and Social Policy and the official start of its implementation under Montenegro's chairmanship. The work plan, which was presented for the first time at the conference, contains concrete measures in three key areas of action: active labour market policy, implementing labour rights including occupational health and safety and labour inspections, as well as social dialogue. These measures will be implemented together over the next two years.
At three discussion panels on these topics, the ministers discussed with high-level representatives from the European Commission, the Regional Cooperation Council, the European Labour Authority as well as the regional Office of the International Labour Organization, on the particular challenges as well as strategies and solutions that they see. All ministers expressed support and the need for close cooperation on these topics for the benefit of their people and endorsed the joint cooperation.
Around 100 guests attended this conference, including representatives from the EU, regional and international organisations as well as from governments, the social partners, civil society, and experts from the Western Balkans Six, Germany and other Berlin Process participants respectively.
You may find the Work Plan here.