Merkel’s farewell trip to the region, after 16 years of chancellorship and at the height of European politics, began in Belgrade. Meeting with Serbian President Vucic, the focus of conversation was on the political and economic cooperation and the EU integration process. Her visit came ahead of the next EU-Balkans summit under the Slovenian presidency in October. Vucic thanked Merkel for everything she has done for Serbia and the region during her successful and long-term in office, while reminding everyone that Germany is by far the most important trade partner of the country.[1] Also, he stated that the Berlin Process initiated by her in 2014 with a far-sighted vision to promote regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and European integration enabled the space for new opportunities in the area.[2] In a short space of time this format boosted mutual relations, be it among the youth, civil society or in the field of science.

My heart will also beat for this region, even if politically I will no longer be in office

Six days later Angela Merkel headed up to Tirana where she was greeted by Foreign minister Olta Xhacka and the Minister of State for parliament relations Elisa Spiropalli at the Mother Theresa International Airport. She met the then Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama at the Palace of Brigades. By addressing his Kosovar counterpart Kurti, Rama said; ‘Open Balkan does not contradict the Berlin Process’. Yet, Merkel clarified that the Berlin Process hasn’t failed, but there’s still a lot to be done.[3] Concretely, the lack of rule of law and competence to varying degrees are widespread, corruption and nepotism are rampant, independent media and critical civil associations are coming under increasing pressure. Last but not least, authoritarian tendencies prevail here and there.

Also, she pinpointed that the Berlin Process is not a substitute for European membership for the countries in the region being at different stages, with Serbia and Montenegro more advanced, BiH having applied for membership, but Kosovo not yet.[4]

Besides that, Merkel emphasized that prosperity, jobs, stability and peace for the countries of the Western Balkans is what it is worth working for, after talks with the heads of government of all six states in the region at a press conference with Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama.[5]

At the same time, the West has significantly scaled back its involvement in the Balkans over the past few years. And, external actors like Russia, China and Turkey have been expanding their influence there. Yet, the international community will take more and more care of the region, the newly appointed High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt said on another occasion. He has an excellent relationship with Washington and is in office since last August. Besides that, it is an open secret that Merkel had proposed his appointment with Joe Biden being happy to agree.[6]

On her visit in the Albanian capital, Merkel called for closer cooperation and the striving for European Union membership. Particularly, she stressed that the EU, and Germany, have their geostrategic interest in getting all the Western Balkans on board. Also, her significant contribution to the country and the region was awarded with the Medal of Honor titled the ‘Great Star of Gratitude for Public Achievements’. And, Edi Rama recognized that no other person did more for the region than the German Chancellor. Moreover, no other person understood this region better than her: the Balkans won’t be what they are today without Merkel.[7]

Her support for the European integration of the region, as well as for strengthening the cooperation and development there, was particularly greeted by Olta Xhacka, and the German Ambassador in Tirana.[8] Merkel concluded her speech with Edi Rama and the other five by saying; “My heart will also beat for this region, even if politically I will no longer be in the office.”[9]

Besides local leaders, the German Chancellor also met with representatives of civil society organizations, which have been closely involved in the Berlin Process since 2015.[10]

Her departure, while enjoying a high reputation and appreciation in terms of objectivity and competence, might have significant implications for the Western Balkans. Yet, independently from her successor, Merkel seems willing to take more care of the region, and most probably even setting the path for the next German government.[11] In other words, she stands for a Balkan policy that sometimes places German economic and stability interests above democracy and the rule of law. Yet, the future integration of the region in to the EU requires exactly the opposite: consistent reforms in those endeavours. How matching the two? The new German executive might disclose the enigma. But its future achievements are still to be seen. One certainty remains though: Merkel will be missed across the region.

[1]West Balkan Leaders Await Merkel’s Farewell Tour, 13 September 2021. Available at: https://balkaninsight.com/2021/09/13/west-balkan-leaders-await-merkels-farewell-tour/

[2]Merkel Sees ‘Long Way’ to EU Membership for Western Balkan States, 13 September 2021. Available at: https://www.rferl.org/a/merkel-vucic-serbia-balkans/31457285.html

[3]Angela Merkel concludes visit to Tirana with an emphasis on regional cooperation, 14 September 2021. Available at:https://euronews.al/en/albania/2021/09/14/live-blog-german-chancellor-angela-merkel-in-tirana/

[4]Pressekonferenz von Bundeskanzlerin Merkel und Ministerpräsident Rama zum Besuch der Bundeskanzlerin in der Republik Albanien am 14. September 2021. Available at: https://www.bundeskanzlerin.de/bkin-de/aktuelles/pressekonferenz-von-bundeskanzlerin-merkel-und-ministerpraesident-rama-zum-besuch-der-bundeskanzlerin-in-der-republik-albanien-am-14-september-2021-1960102

[5]Wohlstand, Stabilität und Frieden der Länder des Westebalkan [online]. Available at: https://www.bundeskanzlerin.de/bkin-de/aktuelles/reise-westbalkan-1958636

[6]Merkels Besuch am Balkan: Eine Region mit vielen Baustellen, 13 September 2021. Available at: https://www.zeit.de/news/2021-09/13/merkels-besuch-am-balkan-eine-region-mit-vielen-baustellen?utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fde.search.yahoo.com%2F

[7]Presse konferenz von Bundeskanzlerin Merkel und Minister präsident Rama zum Besuch der Bundeskanzlerin in der Republik Albanien am 14. September 2021. Available at: https://www.bundeskanzlerin.de/bkin-de/aktuelles/pressekonferenz-von-bundeskanzlerin-merkel-und-ministerpraesident-rama-zum-besuch-der-bundeskanzlerin-in-der-republik-albanien-am-14-september-2021-1960102

[8]Merkel arrived in Tirana, the first meeting is with Rama. Available at: https://www.slobodenpecat.mk/en/merkel-stigna-vo-tirana-prvata-sredba-e-so-rama/

[9]Wohlstand, Stabilität und Frieden der Länder des Westebalkan [online]. Available at: https://www.bundeskanzlerin.de/bkin-de/aktuelles/reise-westbalkan-1958636

[10]Merkel’s visit confirmed the importance of civil society in the region, 16 September 2021. Available at:https://europeanwesternbalkans.com/2021/09/16/merkels-visit-confirmed-the-importance-of-civil-the-society-in-the-region/

[11]Merkels Besuch am Balkan: Eine Region mit vielen Baustellen, Available at: https://www.bkz.de/nachrichten/merkels-besuch-am-balkan-eine-region-mit-vielen-baustellen-117405.html?bPrint=true