Advancing Regional Economic Cooperation: Insights from the Business Forum of the Berlin Process

At the recent business forum marking the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process, four members of the Balkan Dialogues Academy Kristina Milošević, Migena Kalthi, Mona Xhexhaj, and Nikola Nešić shared valuable insights regarding economic cooperation and integration in the Western Balkans as the region moves toward EU membership.

The participants noted that, while political changes in the past decade have been limited, there is a growing commitment within the business sector to foster cooperation and reshape the region’s image positively.

Since 2017, the creation of the Chambers Investment Forum has allowed the Chambers of Commerce and Industry from the six Western Balkan countries to work together, promoting regional economic cooperation. The participants highlighted that a unified initiative from these chambers could significantly enhance the region’s image by delivering a cohesive message to the EU, emphasizing economic opportunities, and directly addressing negative stereotypes.

A critical point raised by the participants was the shared image problem faced by the Western Balkans in the EU context. They observed that many average European citizens view the region not as an aspiring candidate for integration, but as a remote frontier. The participants stressed that addressing this perception is essential for advancing European integration efforts.

To tackle this challenge effectively, they proposed that the Chambers of Commerce in the Western Balkans launch a joint initiative aimed at enhancing the region’s visibility in key EU capitals. This initiative would include a comprehensive multimedia campaign and the establishment of “Western Balkans House” offices in strategic locations, managed by the chambers of commerce from the six countries.

Furthermore, the participants engaged in discussions about securing funding and assistance to transform their policy briefs into actionable project proposals. They recognized the importance of support to turn these ideas into reality, understanding that through collaboration and strategic efforts, the Western Balkans can strengthen their position on the European stage and move closer to achieving their integration goals.