A Berlin Process for the energy security of the Western Balkans

The Western Balkans Summit held in Berlin on the 3rd of November concluded this year’s Berlin Process – a forum designed to strengthen cooperation between EU member states and Western Balkans Six (WB6) governments. This year the Berlin Process took place against the backdrop of an energy crisis characterised by gas shortages and skyrocketing electricity prices. In fact, energy security was a key topic on the Summit’s agenda. Government representatives discussed ways to strengthen energy cooperation and accelerate the renewable transition.

This brief prepared with the Clingendael Institute discusses the state of play on energy security cooperation between the EU and the WB6 in light of the momentum of the 2022 Berlin Process. The WB6 and the EU need to work closely together to enhance the long-term energy security of the region in line with the commitments of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB). To survive the energy crisis, it will be necessary to translate into practice the pledges of the Berlin Process.