Merz calls for concrete steps in Kosovo–Serbia talks

Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor, has warned that the current stalemate in the dialogue on normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia is harming all the parties involved, calling on them to show responsibility and move the process forward.

Merz made the remarks during his opening address at the Berlin Process Summit, which is being held today in Montenegro.

“At the Berlin Process summit held in London in 2018, we jointly rejected hate speech and the glorification of war criminals. To ensure a better future for our children, we must not add fuel to the fire, but move forward based on European values. The same applies to the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade on normalizing relations. In its current state, this process is blocking everyone. For this reason, we urgently call for responsibility and progress,” Merz stressed.

The German chancellor underscored that a stable, peaceful and economically developing Western Balkans is crucial to the future of the European Union, reaffirming Germany’s commitment to the region and the Berlin Process.

During his speech, Merz also focused on the need to continue EU enlargement, saying that membership is an achievable goal if the countries of the region show determination and implement the required reforms.

He stressed that gradual integration into the EU must continue to be based on merit, while reforms and political will must come from the Western Balkan countries themselves.

Merz also addressed the protests taking place in the region and in EU countries, stressing that violence must never be an alternative for either side. He warned against divisive rhetoric, polarization and the glorification of war criminals.

According to him, cooperation among the countries of the region, reconciliation and respect for European values are key elements in building a safer and more prosperous future.

The German chancellor said that over the 12 years of the Berlin Process, progress has been made in the areas of the free movement of workers, investment, tourism, the green agenda and digital services.

He also mentioned progress in the enlargement process, noting that Montenegro is close to completing its path toward membership.

Merz assured that Germany would continue to support the Berlin Process and the countries of the Western Balkans.

Following the conclusion of Chancellor Merz’s speech, the sessions of the Berlin Process Summit are continuing behind closed doors to the media.