German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for EU enlargement by including the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova, and later Georgia.

He said "we must bring the clout of our united Europe much more strongly to bear...Europe is our future. And that future is in our hands."

Scholz highlighted Germany's commitment to EU enlargement, noting that the countries of the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and eventually also Georgia should join the bloc.

However, "in this expanded Union, the differences between the member states will grow as far as political interests, economic clout and social security systems are concerned", he added.