Understanding Western Balkans’ Berlin Process – A Conflict Management Perspective

Abstract: The Western Balkans’ Berlin Process is a relatively new European political initiative with important implications for academic and professional research. It has served as both a framework and a connectivity agenda for regional cooperation in the Western Balkans. The European future of the region, reconciliation and good neighbourly relations, the rule of law, sustainable economic reforms, the strengthening of good governance and democracy, and youth prosperity are among the key areas of focus of this process. In the spirit of exploring new arenas for research, this paper aims to understand, through an analysis of the Chairs’ conclusions, what the Western Balkans’ Berlin Process is and which main arenas of transformation it seeks to address.

Keywords: Western Balkans, Berlin Process, European perspective, Reconciliation, Reforms