Germany's Scholz wants Western Balkan states to join EU within decade

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday said he hoped Western Balkan states would keep making progress towards European Union membership, as he hosted leaders from the region for a summit in the German capital.

"I hope it won't take another 10 years before all six states finally become EU members," Scholz said, referring to Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Albania.

The chancellor made the comments alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference on the sidelines of the meeting, which saw leaders sign a plan of action on a common market in the region, as well as a new mobility agreement on access to higher education.

The summit - known as the Berlin process - has been held annually since 2014, drawing praise from Scholz over achievements such as travel agreements, the reduction of roaming charges, student exchanges and a partnership to promote the use of renewable energies.

"We have managed to create something that I would call the spirit of Berlin," Scholz said.

Von der Leyen also called the meeting successful, saying that EU enlargement is once again a priority for the 27-member bloc.

No new members since 2013

The European Union has not admitted a new member since Croatia in 2013.

Negotiations over admitting Western Balkan states to the European Union have dragged on for years, causing immense frustration in the region.

Of the six states, only Kosovo is not an official candidate for EU membership.

But EU officials have said the war in Ukraine and other geopolitical concerns highlight the importance of the strategic partnership between the EU and the Balkans.

"The European Union is only complete with the Western Balkans as part of it," Scholz said in Berlin.

The latest summit comes days after German mediation helped to resolve a long dispute over free trade in the region, a result Scholz said was "nothing less than a breakthrough for regional cooperation."

However, Scholz said that past conflicts continue to hinder cooperation, with relations between Serbia and Kosovo a particular source of strife.

"I insist that both parties fully implement the commitments they have made," he stated.