Bosnia’s Council of Ministers Chairwoman Joins Berlin Process Summit in Montenegro
Borjana Krišto attended the Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit in Miločer, Montenegro, alongside regional and European leaders.
During a summit in Montenegro, Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a swift EU enlargement that includes Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. He promised Germany’s personal support while insisting that the candidate governments must implement the necessary reforms and demonstrate political commitment. The meeting, held on the Montenegrin Adriatic coast, is a continuation of the Berlin Process, a framework created by former Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2014 to deepen political and economic ties between the EU and the Western Balkans.
Merz highlighted that Montenegro’s accession negotiations are expected to finish no later than 2027 under current expectations. He also pointed to a joint Franco-German proposal that would allow candidate countries to enjoy certain EU advantages, such as easier market access and observer status, once they meet specific reform targets. The remarks underline Germany’s role in driving the enlargement agenda while placing responsibility on the Balkan states to advance their own integration.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning and right-leaning coverage center on Chancellor Merz’s statements about EU enlargement, while centrist coverage highlights Bosnia’s participation and broader regional cooperation, with little overlap between the camps.
LEFT
Focuses on Merz’s optimistic timeline for Montenegro’s EU accession by 2028 and urges accelerated reforms.
CENTER
Emphasizes Bosnia’s presence as a sign of commitment to regional cooperation, economic integration and upcoming EU-Balkans summit planning.
RIGHT
Frames Merz’s call for a faster, conditional EU accession for six Western Balkan nations, stressing required reforms and German support.
The left emphasises
- Montenegro could realistically become the EU’s 28th member by 2028
- urged Western Balkan countries to accelerate reforms and regional cooperation
The right emphasises
- calls for swift EU enlargement for six Western Balkan nations
- candidate governments must implement necessary reforms and demonstrate political commitment
- Germany’s personal support for the accession process
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