The leaders of the nine EU Member States taking part in the Berlin Process, the United Kingdom and the six countries of the Western Balkans will meet in Tirana on 16 and 17 October to take stock of the various current issues in the Balkans (see EUROPE 13266/12). A major part of the discussions is expected to focus on the tensions that still persist between Belgrade and Pristina.
“Basically, what we are interested in today is really re-engaging the parties, re-engaging Kosovo, re-engaging Serbia on the implementation of the Brussels and Ohrid agreements”, said a source at the Élysée Palace. This meeting will also be “an opportunity to exchange views with Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti”, added the same source. However, his Serbian counterpart, Aleksandar Vučić, will not be present in Tirana.
The already tense situation between Belgrade and Pristina since the violence that followed the elections boycotted by the Serbian municipality in the north of Kosovo (see EUROPE 13230/19), deteriorated further on 24 September when a Kosovar policeman was killed by a group of armed Serbian men near the border with Serbia (see EUROPE 13264/7).
Discussions are expected to also cover regional cooperation projects. The College of Europe branch in Tirana will be inaugurated on the occasion of this Berlin Process summit.
In addition, two agreements are due to be signed. The first concerns the mutual recognition of professional qualifications. This agreement will be initialled by the six countries of the Western Balkans. The second, relating to the cyber capabilities centre for the Western Balkans, with Slovenia and Montenegro, will also be signed. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)