German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Kosovo and Serbia to intensify their dialogue on normalizing relations and called for Germany to take part in the process.

Speaking at the Berlin Process Summit in London on October 22, where Western Balkan and EU leaders met, Merz said it is time for Pristina and Belgrade to fully implement their commitments.

“That is why today I spoke about the dialogue on normalization between Serbia and Kosovo. Unfortunately, there has been no progress this year. I want the German government involved in this process. I have personally said this before. It is time for both countries to fulfill their commitments. We will discuss this together,” he said.

Merz also focused on the European integration of the Western Balkans. He welcomed the joint declaration on reconciliation and good neighborly relations and said it must now be implemented. He emphasized that the region’s future lies in the European Union.

“I am pleased that we reached a joint declaration on reconciliation and good neighborly relations. Now we must act on it. The future of the six Western Balkan countries is in the European Union. The Berlin Process moves them forward on this path. The countries we call the Western Balkans belong with us. I told their representatives, heads of state, and government leaders that we want them as EU members because we know we can only face national and global challenges together,” Merz said.

He highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral relations with Germany and noted that the Berlin Process has promoted regional cooperation for over a decade, remaining more vital than ever amid global challenges.