The Berlin Process Summit for the Western Balkans was held in Montenegro. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the violence in protests and the divisive rhetoric that have engulfed Albania and several countries in Europe.
In one of the most picturesque bays of Sveti Stefan, Montenegro, the leaders of the Western Balkans once again sat face to face at the table of the Berlin Process Summit. The meeting was chaired by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who opened his speech with a clear message about the responsibility the countries of the region must take in carrying out reforms on the path to the European Union.
“Change must come from you, from within your own countries. We ask that the Balkan countries be at the table, but progress and reforms must be carried out by these countries themselves,” the German Chancellor said.
Regarding the protests that have engulfed Albania and several countries in Europe, Merz was categorical, condemning violence and divisive rhetoric. “When we face protests, whether in the European Union or here in the region, violence must never be an option for either side. Divisive rhetoric and growing polarization will not lead us toward a Europe that is safer, freer and more prosperous,” Merz declared.
At the press conference, alongside Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, Friedrich Merz described the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU as a geopolitical necessity. He said the region should not return to becoming an arena of rivalry for influence among major powers.
“The Western Balkans must not become a place where major powers compete for influence. It is in our shared interest that the path of the countries of the region toward the European Union be irreversible,” Merz declared.