German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has told leaders of six Balkan countries aspiring to join the European Union that “it is high time to overcome regional conflicts” and stand together as Russia wages war in Ukraine.

Scholz and the EU’s top officials – Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel – joined leaders from Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Albania on Thursday for the Western Balkans Summit in Berlin.

Addressing the meeting, he said the six countries “belong to the free and democratic part of Europe” and highlighted the need to deliver on their longstanding desire to join the EU, which he described as being in the bloc’s “interest”.

The stability and prosperity of your region cannot be detached from the stability and prosperity of Europe as a whole,” Scholz said.

The parties are expected to sign agreements on easing regional travel arrangements and mutual recognition of academic qualifications at the summit. They are also expected to discuss energy issues.

But, with tension brewing again between Serbia and Kosovo this week, Scholz said the nations themselves need to overcome problems that have slowed their path to the EU and pointed to “a sense of urgency”.