Friedrich Merz of the CDU warned that non-European powers should not influence the Western Balkans. Speaking in Montenegro on Thursday, on the sidelines of the Berlin Process summit, Merz stressed that the region should not become a battleground where major powers compete for influence.
He emphasized that it is in the “common interest” that the nations in the region proceed irreversibly toward joining the European Union. Merz added that only this shared perspective-connecting to the European single market and its institutions-will create the “necessary stability” for the region as a whole.
Merz further stated that the countries of the Western Balkans belong to Europe, both “geographically and politically.” He remarked that while this had long been merely a phrase used for diplomatic rhetoric, “in the last months we have managed to make genuinely concrete progress here, now.” He noted that Montenegro is “well on its way to joining the EU soon,” and concluded by stating that “the others must follow, and others will follow.”
The Berlin Process aims to reinforce regional cooperation among the six Western Balkan states and support necessary reforms for their integration into the EU. Montenegro chose this specific year to host the gathering, as the country celebrates 20 years of independence. Merz reported that Montenegro is in the final phase of its accession negotiations. This year, the Berlin Process is scheduled to host 26 events, twelve of which will take place at the ministerial level.
