German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has declared Thursday that violence should never be an option during protests in the European Union or the Western Balkans, while attending a summit with leaders of the region in Montenegro.

In his opening speech, Merz reiterated Germany’s strong support for the Western Balkan countries’ EU membership, but stressed that the governments of the region must prove political will and implement necessary reforms.

We all see protests in the region and in our countries, and these protests, dear colleagues, give us a clear message, Merz said at the meeting of leaders and senior officials.

We must continue with the enlargement process and make sure that our citizens benefit from it, he added.

The German Chancellor stressed that violence has no place in democracy and warned against polarising societies.

When faced with protests in the EU or here in the region, violence should never be an option for either side, he said.

Divided rhetoric or increased polarization will not lead to a safer, cheaper and more prosperous Europe, and history will not judge those who divide in these complex times, Merz added.

Montenegro is hosting the Berlin Process Leaders Summit in Budva on Thursday.

This initiative, launched by Germany in 2014, brings together the six Western Balkan countries — Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia and Serbia — together with EU partners, aimed at strengthening regional co-operation, economic ties and the road towards membership in the European Union.

Source Layer: Anadolu Agency

Source Layer: RTKLive