JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE LEADERS OF THE WESTERN BALKANS SIX (WB6)
“Growth and Convergence for the Western Balkans Six” Conference
Tirana, 29 February 2024

1. Recognizing the new momentum for the enlargement policy created by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and the increased significance of European unity and enhanced cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkans.
2. Noting that the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans represents an excellent opportunity to advance the region’s integration into the Single Market as well as into EU mechanisms and instruments, while accelerating reforms in strategic and fundamental areas, including those related to rule of law and fundamental rights.
   Committed to accelerating work necessary for the swift and impactful implementation of the Growth Plan, individually and with the regional partners.
3. Acknowledging the significance of the Berlin Process Summit’s Chair Conclusions in Tirana on 16 October 2023 and noting the importance of regional cooperation, notably the economic and social transformative potentials of the Common Regional Market, for the unleashing of the economic and social potential of the region as well as for its preparation to gradually phase-in into the Single Market.
   Recognising the effort to create a regional pool of skills and professions through the recognition of academic and professional qualifications based on EU standards and practices, we commend the coordinative role of the Regional Cooperation Council and commit to promptly follow-through the implementation of the mobility agreements concluded in the framework of Berlin Process;
4. We, the leaders of the Western Balkans committed to starting a structured dialogue, also with the European Commission and EU Member States, with a view to implementing the Growth Plan in ways that benefit us individually and can also boost regional prosperity and socio-economic convergence with the EU.
5. In this spirit, the Leaders noted the progress made in developing of reform agendas which would help to guide policies and investments over the next four years.
6. In line with the Growth Plan’s priority areas and as well those of the CRM for the phasing-in of our economies to the Single Market, we discussed the concrete initiatives on individual areas and identified key actions to be taken.
7. Building on the regional initiatives endorsed at the Leaders’ Summit of the Berlin Process, in Tirana in October 2023, in Skopje in January 2024, we committed to accelerating preparedness for accession into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), to further enhancing the Green Lanes and facilitating trade and economic activity in the region by promoting the attractiveness and competitiveness of the region, as well as to opening the opportunities of applying for the “Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs for Associated Countries” and WiFi4WB throughout the region. To this end, we commend the work undertaken by the European Commission, the World Bank, Transport Community, CEFTA and Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum in outlining the steps ahead in facilitating trade and transport, as well as enhancing economic interaction within the region and between the Western Balkans 6 and the EU, across key border crossing points. The initiatives discussed today in the context of the Growth Plan aim to spur the long-term economic recovery of the region, support a green and digital transition and foster regional cooperation and convergence with the EU. We also commend the efforts of the central banks of the region to prepare, in collaboration with the World Bank, roadmaps which will guide their efforts to prepare for accession to SEPA.
8. Regarding SEPA, the Leaders recognized the critical role of the financial sector, and in particular, the payment systems landscape, for the better functioning of markets. Cost and time-efficient payments make trade cheaper and allow competitive firms to grow and offer consumers easier access to goods and services. A sound and efficient payment system supports the development of financial intermediation, the deepening of financial markets and enhancement of financial stability thus creating a climate in which investors can expand their businesses. The parties agreed to prepare, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders concrete Action Plans, by each WB6, to advance with the fulfilment of the SEPA requirements, with the aim to apply to join SEPA within 2024, as well as to mobilize support for the implementation of custom standards and procedures, so that the region moves closer to customs and trade cooperation with the EU.
9. With the aim of facilitating trade and transport between the region and the neighboring EU member states, the Leaders commended the work conducted by Transport Community and CEFTA regarding the Roadmap for Green Lanes, endorsed at the Western Balkans-EU Summit in December 2023, as well as on coordinated controls at the EU-WB6 border crossing points. Within the framework of the Roadmap, the Leaders expressed full support to establish a Regional Program for Trade and Transport Facilitation, to enable convergence of the region to the EU single market by reducing trade barriers and costs and improving transport efficiency between the WB6 and EU. The program will be implemented by the World Bank in close collaboration with Transport Community, CEFTA and European Commission.
10. With the aim of improving digital connectivity within the region and between the region and the EU, the leaders expressed support to the companies and public sector in the twin (green and digital) transition by facilitating the initiative within the framework of the Digital Europe Program’s call “Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs-Associated Countries”. Recognizing the success of the WiFi4EU initiative, as part of the European Commission’s Digital Single Market strategy and in line with the deliverables of the Berlin Process Summit of Leaders of October 2023, the leaders also called on actions to implement such initiative which has been extended already to the Western Balkans.
11. Recognizing the potential of regional economic cooperation for the socio-economic development of our region as well, we committed to implementing the Common Regional Market, based on EU rules and standards, while progressing towards gradual opening of our markets to the EU Single Market. Commending RCC and CEFTA for the initiated coordination, the Leaders called for an ambitious and action-oriented successor plan to the first Common Regional Market action plan, that can further unlock substantive opportunities of regional market integration and prepare the region for integration into the EU Single Market.
12. Recalling the importance of implementing the past undertaken regional commitments so that the full benefits are felt by the citizens and businesses, the Leaders committed to prompt follow-through and implementation of the concluded agreements in the frames of the BP. In this connection, we reiterated our commitment to remove any impediment to economic cooperation which may impede our joint and unilateral efforts to move towards these goals.
13. Noting the momentum created for an enhanced relationship between the EU and the WB6, the leaders called upon the EU to explore ways to improve and amend legal and regulatory frameworks, so that there is a meaningful, albeit phasing-in of the WB6 into EU mechanisms and fora, both political and technical, in line with the new methodology of EU accession and the Growth Plan for the region.