The summit resulted in the signing of a new action plan for a common regional market and a mobility agreement aimed at enhancing access to higher education.

This action plan seeks to improve economic collaboration and social and labor standards across the region, encompassing an economic area of 17 million people.

To streamline the accession process, Scholz proposed a collective accession model that would allow these countries to join the EU together, while also granting them access to the EU internal market prior to full membership.

Despite recent achievements, the disparity in progress towards EU membership among the Western Balkan states remains a source of frustration, especially in light of the swift advancements made by Ukraine and Moldova.

During the recent West Balkan Summit in Berlin, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the critical need for the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged the summit's success, highlighting a renewed focus on EU expansion compared to a decade ago.

The Western Balkan nations have been pursuing EU membership for decades, and this summit aimed to generate new momentum in that process.

The EU had previously offered membership prospects to the six Western Balkan states in 2003, but their progress towards actual membership has varied significantly.

Frustration among the Balkan states has intensified, particularly as Ukraine and Moldova were rapidly granted EU candidate status amid the ongoing Russian invasion.

Scholz urged both Serbia and Kosovo to advance their normalization dialogue, as ongoing tensions between the two countries continue to hinder regional cooperation.

Addressing historical conflicts, particularly the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo, was highlighted as essential for fostering collaboration among the countries.

The Berlin Process, initiated in 2014, has made strides in regional cooperation, including agreements on mobility and reduced roaming fees, but experts express concerns about the slow pace of EU integration.