Munich, 16 February 2025 | CDI hosted a side event at the Munich Security Conference 2025 (MSC2025), under the title: “From Powder Keg to Secure Link: How Western Balkans contribute to a secure and resilient Europe”. The event focused on the region’s connectivity and Corridor VIII as backbone of the security, resilience, development and policy coordination on Europe’s southern flank.
Since 2015, the Berlin Process has tangibly contributed to Western Balkans connectivity, leading to the integration of the region’s transport networks into the EU Transport Network in June 2024. The newly established Western Balkans – Eastern Mediterranean corridor is now a cornerstone for NATO and EU mobility, access to strategic resources, disaster response, and supply chain resilience.
CDI has played a leading role in advocating for Corridor VIII – particularly for the Skopje-Durres segment to be included in the new Western Balkans Corridor – and has consistently highlighted the Corridor’s political and security significance. In its advocacy efforts, CDI prioritizes military mobility, dual-use infrastructure, and cross-border transit agreements The side event in the frame of MSC2025 reflects CDI’s ongoing commitment to enhance Western Balkans links within the region and with the EU. Being part of EU Core TEN-T network is pursued through a multi-actor, multi-sector coordination approach that.
With the initiative of Albania and in very close cooperation of CVIII partner countries, a Letter of Intent on Military Mobility along the Corridor VIII was signed in 2024 in Washington by Ministers of Defence of Albania, Italy, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, latter joined by Romania. This document commits the signatory states to take all necessary measures to ensure maximum flexibility and military mobility within their territories, supporting NATO’s agenda for deterrence and defense in the Euro-Atlantic area.
In the MSC Side Event, Albanian Minister of Defence, Pirro Vengu, emphasized Albania’s priority on Corridor VIII for economic and regional security, highlighting the need for EU and NATO to support dual-use infrastructure development along the corridor. “Corridor VIII is a clear geopolitical and political priority for Albania, directly impacting economic development and regional security. It is essential that Albania’s financial efforts are complemented by concrete actions from the EU and NATO to unlock development instruments and invest in comprehensive infrastructure projects along the corridor, from Porto Romano to the Black Sea ports of Varna and Burgas”, underlined the Minister.
Discussions also highlighted key findings from the European Court of Auditors’ special report, “EU Military Mobility – Full speed not reached due to design weaknesses and obstacles en route”.
CDI also attended the high-level panel discussion “Ready, Steady 2030? Accelerating the Balkans’ EU Accession”. A key takeaway from the panel was the recognition that Balkan countries, along with the broader region, are ready to make significant contributions to Europe’s security, competitiveness, and resilience.
The contribution of Western Balkans in EU resilience and competitiveness will be further discussed on the Tirana Connectivity Forum 2025, in September 2025.
