German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in his opening address at the Berlin Process Summit that urgent progress is needed in the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.
Speaking about the Western Balkans and the region’s failure to move beyond the past, Merz warned that divisive rhetoric and growing polarisation would not lead to a more prosperous Europe.
“Recent developments in the Western Balkans, divisive rhetoric and growing polarisation will not lead to a safer, freer and more prosperous future. History will not look kindly on those who sow division in these complex times. That is why, at the 2008 Berlin Process Summit, we jointly rejected the use of hate speech and the glorification of war criminals,” Merz said.
“If we want to build a better future for our children, we must not add fuel to the fire, but move forward on the basis of European values,” he added.
Merz said the same principles applied to the dialogue aimed at normalising relations between Pristina and Belgrade.
“Currently, it is holding everyone back. We therefore urgently call for responsibility and progress,” he said.
