German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on the countries of the Western Balkans to strengthen regional cooperation and continue reforms for membership in the European Union. During his speech at the Berlin Process Summit, which is being held in Budva, Montenegro, Merz also touched on the protests in the region, stressing that violence should not be a solution for either side.
“We have also seen the protests in the region, but also in our own countries. These protests give us a clear message: We must continue with the enlargement process and we must make sure that our citizens benefit from it. Violence must never be an option on either side“, declared Merz, underlining the importance of dialogue and maintaining peace.
Merz emphasized that the process of expansion of the European Union should continue and that the citizens of the countries of the region should benefit concretely from the integration. According to him, Germany and the European partners have the will to speed up this process, but the reforms must be undertaken by the Western Balkan countries themselves.
“This process is based on merit. We have the will, but the reforms must come from you again”, said Merz.
Merz underlined that the cooperation between the six countries of the Western Balkans is essential for their success on the road to the EU. He praised the results achieved during the 12 years of the Berlin Process, citing progress in free movement, investment, tourism, the green agenda and digital services.
According to Merz, the creation of a common regional market would increase the interest of investors and create more economic opportunities for citizens and businesses.
“Change must come from within your countries, and this has been one of the founding ideas of the Berlin Process since its inception: to bring the six countries of the Western Balkans to a table, to achieve reforms and progress from within, as well as to foster regional cooperation and reconciliation. Ultimately, you will succeed on the road to the European Union only if you work together. A market with 8 million inhabitants is certainly much more interesting to investors than six separate markets. Now we are well on our way with the integration process and we are making sure that it is as fast as possible. But, of course, this process is based on merit. We have the will, but the reforms must come from you again”, he said.
The German chancellor also focused on the importance of regional reconciliation and respect for European values, warning against hate speech, polarization and the glorification of war criminals.
He emphasized that a stable, peaceful and economically dynamic Western Balkans is important for the future of the European Union.
“In 2018, at the Berlin Process summit in London, we jointly rejected the use of hate speech and the glorification of war criminals. If we want to create a better future for our children, we must not add fuel to the fire, but move forward on the basis of European values. This also applies to the dialogue for the normalization of relations between Pristina and Belgrade. In its current state, this process is hindering everyone. Therefore, we urgently call for responsibility and progress”, said Merz.
