German chancellor from Budva: Violence must never be an alternative

At the Berlin Process Summit, which is being held in Montenegro, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said today that violence and polarization cannot serve as solutions to political challenges.

Speaking at the plenary session “A region in motion: The Western Balkans shaping Europe’s shared future,” Merz called for dialogue, stability and continued reforms.

He noted that protests are visible across the region, throughout Europe and within the countries concerned, and that these expressions of civic engagement send a clear message: the enlargement process must move forward, and citizens must feel its benefits.

The German chancellor also stressed that violence must never be an alternative for either side.

He called for clarity on two points: first, in response to protests in the EU or the region, violence can never be accepted by either side; second, achieving all these objectives becomes particularly difficult if the past continues to hold everything hostage.

Merz added that divisive rhetoric and rising polarization will not lead to a safer, freer and more prosperous Europe, and history will not look kindly on those who sow division in these complicated times.