Berlin Process Sofia summit: Leaders of the Western Balkans signed two declarations on Common Regional Market and Green Agenda

In the presence of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, during the Berlin Process Summit on November 10, the leaders of the Western Balkan countries signed a Declaration on the Common Regional Market and a Declaration on the Green Agenda.

The two documents are a major success for the joint hosting of Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia of the Berlin Process, as they unite the efforts of the Western Balkans for their even closer integration into the norms and standards of the European Union.

Bringing the region of the Western Balkans in line with EU Single Market rules and engaging it in comprehensive regional cooperation is a significant step forward in further EU integration. The common regional market aims to connect the economies of the Western Balkans through the free movement of people, goods, services and capital. The declaration also encourages the creation of regional digital, industrial, investment and innovation links.

PM Boyko Borissov: We reaffirm our commitment to the development of the Western Balkans

Better integration of the economies of the Western Balkans in the region and with the EU also requires a strong commitment from these countries to reform, deepen regional economic integration and develop the Common Regional Market based on the acquis in order to make the region a more attractive investment area. Last but not least, the deeper economic integration of the region is also beneficial for its recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

The new vision for the regional economic space is fully in line with the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans recently presented by the European Commission. It is important not only in terms of financial support for the region, but also in terms of including the EU's immediate neighbourhood in the same reconstruction process that all EU countries must go through.

The Declaration on a Green Agenda for the Western Balkans is fully in line with the EU's flagship efforts to combat climate change, protect the environment and unlock the economic potential of the region's green, low-carbon and circular economy. Through the document, the countries of the Western Balkans demonstrate their readiness and commitment to achieving the goals of the European Green Deal, by making a significant contribution to the ambitious Green Agenda for the region.

The Western Balkans are committed to action in five key areas: climate, energy, mobility; circular economy; cleaning of air, water and soil; sustainable agriculture and food production; biodiversity. This will enable the countries of the region to be active participants in contributing to the development of EU policies, and not only in their implementation.