At the Adria Future Summit, a panel dedicated to Montenegro’s Presidency of the Berlin Process was held
Perišić: Thanks to the Berlin Process, our region is more connected and closer to the EU
Under the motto of Montenegro’s Presidency of the Berlin Process “Region in Motion. Owning the Change” a panel focused on shaping the next phase of the Berlin Process was held as part of the Adria Future Summit in Tivat.
The panel was moderated by Milica Perišić, Advisor to the Prime Minister and National Coordinator for the Berlin Process, who emphasized that Montenegro’s Presidency represents an important opportunity to accelerate regional cooperation and bring the Western Balkan countries closer to the European Union.
“Thanks to the Berlin Process, our region is now more connected and closer to the European Union. Montenegro’s goal is to further strengthen the implementation of the Process’s objectives by enhancing cooperation and platforms for dialogue and reaching agreements in various areas,” Perišić stated.
Peter Felten, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Montenegro, also spoke at the panel, noting that “Montenegro inspires optimism in Berlin.”
Ambassador Felten praised Montenegro’s progress in meeting the requirements for European Union membership, as well as its coordination during its Presidency of the Berlin Process. He stated that the main mission of the Berlin Process is to prepare the region for accession to the European Union, emphasizing that the Process is focused on delivering concrete results for citizens of the Western Balkans through ever-closer regional integration, based on the EU acquis.
In addition to the German ambassador, British Ambassador Dawn McKen highlighted that the greatest strength of the Berlin Process lies in keeping the region focused on shared progress. “It links political dialogue with concrete results. Equally important, the Process ensures continuity over time, allowing successive presidencies to build on each other’s work instead of starting from scratch each time. It is precisely this combination of ambition, practicality, and continuity that has made the Process both relevant and resilient.”
“It was our honor to host the Berlin Process last year, and we look forward to continuing to support Montenegro and the countries of the region as friends and partners, as well as to watching this region take another confident step forward,” Ambassador McKen added.
Pranvera Kastrati, Director of CEFTA, pointed out during the panel that fostering private sector development is crucial in preparing economies for European Union membership. She also emphasized that investment in human capital, production, and technology is key to ensuring that regional economies remain competitive in the broader market. All these topics, as assessed, will be treated as priorities during Montenegro’s Presidency of the Process in 2026, which is of particular importance for the entire region.
“The Berlin Process is an important platform, and it is up to us how we use it. In this regard, the diaspora plays a significant role and has strong potential to contribute to the further development of our economies and democracies. Therefore, it is especially important that all countries in the region utilize this potential to upgrade their systems,” said Nikica Mojsoska Blazhevski, Executive Director of Macedonia2025.
Panel participants agreed that the Berlin Process remains a key platform for strengthening regional integration, improving connectivity, and implementing reforms in line with EU standards, with a particular focus on mobility.
It was reiterated at the panel that the goals of Montenegro’s Presidency of the Process are to strengthen regional cooperation, promote sustainable development, and ensure concrete and measurable benefits for citizens of the Western Balkans. This will be pursued through four Presidency priorities: strong and inclusive economic growth, competitiveness, security, and a green and sustainable transition.