Minister Fajon at the Berlin Process meeting: Reconciliation in the Western Balkans essential for EU integration

Minister Fajon at the Berlin Process meeting in Belfast | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve

Since its inception in 2014, the Berlin Process initiated by Germany has brought together the six Western Balkan countries, host countries of the Berlin Process, EU institutions and other regional associations. The aim is to keep EU enlargement to the Western Balkans on the European agenda, while fostering closer ties between the region and European and global corridors through infrastructure, energy and economic projects. These meetings also seek to maintain pressure on the countries in the region to sustain positive reform momentum and continue addressing outstanding issues.

Minister Fajon participated in a panel discussion on reconciliation in the Western Balkans. She explained that Northern Ireland's experience could provide a valuable model for the region, emphasising the need for comparable courage to overcome the burdens of the past. "Reconciliation is about more than resolving present-day political disputes; it requires an honest confrontation with the past. Nationalist ideologies that deny genocide are among the most dangerous and destructive forces in society," she warned. She expressed hope that countries in the region will make clear and decisive commitments to resolving outstanding bilateral and regional issues: "Addressing unresolved issues from the past - including those related to the succession of the former Yugoslavia - is a vital part of reconciliation in the region and a prerequisite for the successful EU integration of the Western Balkan countries. Slovenia believes that the full implementation of the Agreement on Succession Issues would demonstrate the successor states' commitment to upholding international law and obligations, as well as creating the necessary momentum for addressing other, more complex regional challenges."

Minister Fajon reaffirmed Slovenia's commitment to supporting the Western Balkan countries in their efforts to join the EU by 2030 at the latest, provided that they meet the accession criteria. She added that these countries must remain firmly on the path of reform, as EU membership depends on fulfilling these criteria. She explained that it is equally important to continue making active efforts to close the development gap between the EU and the region. Slovenia will provide ongoing support for the region's reform efforts and the new Growth Plan, which promotes convergence, gradual integration into the EU single market and the establishment of a fully functioning common regional market.

Minister Fajon also addressed the pressing issues of youth unemployment, emigration and the rise of extremism in the Western Balkans. "It is crucial to provide young people in the region with alternatives and opportunities for education, success, employment and a normal life. A positive environment for young people can only be achieved if a positive, inclusive outlook is fostered across political, social and economic spheres," she concluded.

The Foreign Ministers participating in the Berlin Process also reviewed the progress in implementing the arrangements already adopted under the Berlin Process ahead of the upcoming Leaders' Summit in London on 22 October. These arrangements seek to fully establish a common regional market, a key prerequisite for the region's eventual integration into the EU single market and its accession to the EU.