German Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed that the countries of the Western Balkans have a “clear prospect to join” the EU, even though the road will be “long”.

“We support the inclusion. We simple believe that we have nothing to gain if the criteria is not met. There are specific, very clear criteria to join the EU”, stated Merkel.

“Clear criteria, respect of treaties (…) and then the prospects of the Western Balkans will be clear”.  In late August, the German government invited all Balkan countries to a conference in Berlin, adding that Germany “has a strong commitment to the region”.