Germany's Merz warns Western Balkans must not become arena for rival powers

​German Chancellor ‌Friedrich Merz underscored ​the need ‌to bring the Western Balkans closer to the European ‌Union to avoid ‌power struggles for influence during a trip ⁠to ​Montenegro ⁠on Thursday.

"The Western Balkans ⁠must not become a ​theatre where major powers vie ⁠for influence," said ⁠Merz, ​adding that the Ukraine war showed ⁠how urgent EU integration ⁠and ⁠enlargement was needed.