Merkel’s “Farewell Tour” Underlines Balkans’ Importance

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The Balkan countries are important for Germany – that’s seemingly the reason why German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who’s set to step down from her post following elections this autumn, is taking an extensive “farewell tour,” meeting with leaders from six Balkan states – some of them EU aspirants – in the region next week: Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.

On Monday, she’s scheduled to meet with Serbia’s president, Aleksandar Vučić, with whom EU accession and economic cooperation will be on the agenda. President Vučić has expressed his country’s gratefulness for Germany having launched the Berlin Process, which has fostered peace and trade between his country and its neighbors.

When Merkel arrives in Tirana, Albania on Tuesday, not only will she meet with that country’s prime minister, but will also share a meal with five prime ministers from the other Balkan states.

Source: Euractiv