Government: Berlin Process 2026 Agenda presented – Region in motion, owning the change

Thanks to the Berlin Process, our region is today more connected and closer to the European Union, was the key message from today’s press conference at which the programme and priorities of Montenegro’s chairmanship of the Berlin Process were presented. The speakers included Adviser to the Prime Minister and National Coordinator for the Berlin Process Milica Perišić, as well as H.E. Peter Felten, German Ambassador, H.E. Dawn McKen, British Ambassador, and H.E. Johann Sattler, EU Ambassador to Montenegro.

Perišić presented the objectives and priorities of the chairmanship, noting that Montenegro is taking on this role in a year that is among the most significant in its recent history in terms of international engagement.

Within this year’s intensive foreign policy agenda, the chairmanship of the Berlin Process entails the organisation of 25 events, including 12 at ministerial level, culminating in the Leaders’ Summit in October. Substantively, it also implies delivering concrete results through which Montenegro will confirm its role as a responsible regional actor and leader, said National Coordinator for the Berlin Process Milica Perišić.

She added that the priorities of the chairmanship include strengthening regional cooperation, delivering concrete and measurable benefits for the citizens of the Western Balkans, and shaping the future of the Berlin Process.

2026 is a year of spectacular prospects for Montenegro, not only in terms of European integration, said H.E. Peter Felten, German Ambassador, congratulating the Government on its “impressive preparations for the chairmanship, which promise tangible results.”

Ambassador Felten recalled that the Berlin Process aims to provide a platform for the six Western Balkan countries to jointly address issues of common interest and advance towards deeper regional integration, supporting economic development, mutual understanding, and, where needed, reconciliation – all with the goal of delivering tangible benefits to citizens and supporting the path towards EU membership.

H.E. Dawn McKen, British Ambassador to Montenegro, noted that the UK chairmanship had focused on delivering concrete results, strengthening trust in institutions, supporting more transparent and accountable systems, and enhancing cooperation across the region.

As Montenegro defines its priorities, we welcome its commitment to maintaining this momentum and implementing reforms that support its European path. The priorities presented today reflect both ambition and responsibility, particularly in delivering tangible benefits for citizens. We stand ready to support Montenegro in this important endeavour. The United Kingdom views Montenegro with confidence as a partner committed to shared values and a European future, Ambassador McKen emphasized.

H.E. Johann Sattler, EU Ambassador to Montenegro, congratulated Montenegro on assuming the chairmanship of the Berlin Process, noting that 2026 represents a turning point for the country, as it marks an important independence anniversary while entering the final phase of EU accession negotiations.

This is the moment to maintain strong and broad political support for reforms and, through an inclusive and stable approach, accelerate the path towards the European Union. Regional cooperation and the Berlin Process remain key drivers of economic development, investment, and integration into the EU single market, Sattler stated.

During the press conference, the chairmanship’s motto and logo were also presented: “Region in Motion. Owning the Change.” Graphic designer and author of the visual concept, Darko Mijušković, explained that the key idea guiding the design process was movement, reflecting the concept of a “region in motion.”

Movement is particularly relevant for Montenegro, especially in recent years, from several perspectives: rapid progress towards EU membership, continuous improvement and modernization of services, legislation and transparency, as well as steady progress towards a higher standard of living, Mijušković said.

He added that visually, movement is expressed through circular forms – the basic graphic elements that naturally suggest motion.