The Congress of Berlin (13 June – 13 July 1878) was a meeting of the European Great Powers’ and the Ottoman Empire’s leading statesmen in Berlin in 1878. In the wake of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78, the meeting’s aim was to reorganize the countries of the Balkans. German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, who led the Congress, undertook to stabilize the Balkans, recognize the reduced power of the Ottoman Empire, balance the distinct interests of Britain, Russia and Austria-Hungary. As a result, Ottoman holdings in Europe declined sharply; Bulgaria was established as an independent principality inside the Ottoman Empire; Eastern Rumelia was restored to the Turks under a special administration; and Macedonia was returned outright to the Turks, who promised reform. Romania achieved full independence, turning over part of Bessarabia to Russia and gaining Northern Dobruja in return. Serbia and Montenegro finally gained complete independence, but with smaller territories. Austria took over Bosnia and Herzegovina, and effectively took control of the province of Novi Bazar. Britain took over Cyprus.
The recent conference on Libya held in London may have cloaked itself in more highminded language, but apart from that little has changed in 133 years….