German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for continued European Union enlargement, dialogue and reforms, warning that violence and political polarization cannot resolve the challenges facing Europe and the Western Balkans.

Speaking at the Berlin Process summit in Montenegro, Merz said protests across the region and Europe showed the need to advance enlargement and ensure citizens benefit from it.

He stressed that no side should resort to violence in response to protests. Merz also warned that divisive rhetoric and growing polarization would undermine efforts to build a safer, freer and more prosperous Europe. He said history would not judge kindly those who deepen divisions during these difficult times.

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