Ireland has renewed its support for closer European integration in the Western Balkans as Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne TD attends the Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit in Montenegro on 22 October 2026.
The summit brings together political leaders and senior representatives from the Western Balkans and across Europe to discuss regional connectivity, economic cooperation, reconciliation and progress towards European Union membership.
Berlin Process Summit focuses on EU enlargement
Minister Byrne is representing Ireland at a meeting that includes German Chancellor Frederich Merz, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.
The Berlin Process is designed to strengthen cooperation among Western Balkan countries and their European partners. Its agenda complements the formal EU enlargement process by supporting practical initiatives, stronger regional links and economic integration.
Speaking ahead of the gathering, Minister Byrne said Ireland attaches significant importance to the process and believes the region’s future lies within the European Union. He also highlighted the importance of reforms, EU values and cooperation in preparing countries for accession.
Ireland’s role during the EU Presidency
Minister Byrne said enlargement is a shared European interest and a central priority of Ireland’s EU Presidency. Ireland supports a merit-based accession process, meaning that progress should depend on each candidate country’s reforms and readiness to meet EU standards.
The Minister also said Ireland wants to preserve the momentum achieved during its Presidency and work with EU Member States and regional partners to deliver tangible progress towards membership.
The Irish position reflects the wider diplomatic work led through the Department of Foreign Affairs, with European affairs and international cooperation remaining key elements of Ireland’s foreign policy.
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Why Western Balkans integration matters
EU enlargement in the Western Balkans is closely linked to regional stability, economic opportunity and long-term cooperation. Increased connectivity can support trade, investment and people-to-people links, while reconciliation efforts can help address historic divisions.
For the EU, enlargement also involves ensuring that prospective members implement reforms related to democratic institutions, the rule of law and accountable governance. Ireland’s support for a merit-based approach underlines the importance of measurable progress rather than automatic accession.
- Regional cooperation: encouraging practical partnerships across the Western Balkans.
- Economic development: improving connectivity and supporting cross-border growth.
- EU readiness: helping partners advance reforms required for membership.
- Security and stability: contributing to a more secure and prosperous Europe.
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What happens next?
Ireland’s immediate objective is to maintain political momentum around enlargement during its EU Presidency. Continued engagement with Member States and Western Balkan partners will be important as countries work through the reforms and negotiations connected with possible EU accession.
Key takeaway: Minister Byrne’s attendance at the Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit signals Ireland’s continued commitment to regional cooperation and a credible, reform-led path for Western Balkan countries towards the European Union.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie