On 11 May 2026, the Western Balkans Six launched an initiative for the future regional cooperation in the area of employment and social policy within the framework of the Berlin process. The Work Plan on Employment and Social Policy was officially presented and adopted by all six ministers of the Western Balkans Six at the high-level conference in Berlin entitled Western Balkans Conference: Advancing Employment and Social Policy Together, at the invitation of the German Federal Minister Bärbel Bas and the Montenegrin Minister Naida Nišić (Berlin Process Chair 2026). 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.
Since its launch in 2014, the Berlin Process has established itself as an indispensable platform for promoting regional cooperation and supporting the Western Balkans Six on their path towards European integration. At its tenth anniversary, at the summit held under German chairmanship in October 2024, participants agreed to strengthen the cooperation in the areas of labour market and social policy.
Building on this mandate, the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, together with the respective ministries of the Western Balkans Six, started to develop a regional work plan along three key areas for action:
1. active labour market policy
2. implementing labour rights including occupational safety and health and labour inspections and
3. social dialogue.
The Western Balkan Six agreed on ten concrete activities of shared interest to be implemented within the next two years, supported by a regional steering group.
These areas of cooperation are an essential part of the European Union's social acquis and help drive sustainable economic growth, robust social structures and fair working conditions that are protected by the rule of law. At the same time, they offer great potential for in-depth dialogue and joint development in the region.
You may find the Work Plan here.