A new agreement has been reached in Germany on the formation of the next government, led by Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz (CDU). At the heart of this agreement are new migration policies, a significant restriction of the Western Balkans Regulation, and changes to citizenship law.
Under the governing contract, the annual quota for work permits for citizens of the Western Balkans will be halved, from 50.000 set last year, to 25.000. This directly affects citizens from Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia. Experts argue that the migration system should be based more on professional qualifications than on geographical origin.
Migration: Controls and returns
The rules for obtaining German citizenship will also be tightened: in future, it will no longer be possible to obtain it after three years of residence, but only after five years. The measures also include a ban on family reunification for certain categories of refugees and an end to voluntary admissions, including for those from Afghanistan.
Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the agreement as a “strong signal for Europe,” adding that “Germany is on the right track,” that “Europe can rely on Germany,” and – in a nod to US President Donald Trump – that Germany will fulfill its defense obligations and increase its competitiveness.
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Merz: We hope to discuss further cooperation of the Western Balkans in the EU
Beyond migration, the agreement provides for measures to revive the German economy after three years of recession: tax cuts for businesses, tax exemptions for overtime work, and more flexibility for pensioners who want to work.
Meanwhile, the Western Balkans remain on the international agenda of Berlin. The Berlin Process will continue as a platform for supporting the countries of the region on their path towards the European Union./DW
