Integrate Southeast Europe Swiftly into the EU

Integrate Southeast Europe Swiftly into the EU – Paneuropa Expects Greater Commitment from the Austrian Federal Government

Regarding today’s conference in Vienna, convened by Federal Minister Gernot Blümel on the topic of “Future of the EU – view from the Western Balkans”, the Paneuropa Movement Austria expects new impetus from the Austrian Federal Government towards those countries that are still delaying the admission of Southeast European nations into the EU.

“For far too long, the EU has promised the countries of Southeast Europe their accession to the EU, yet too little has happened so far,” criticises Paneuropa Secretary General Rainhard Kloucek, addressing the weariness surrounding this perennial issue, and asserts: “The accession of these six countries – Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia – is not only in Austria’s interest but in the geopolitical interest of the European Union.”

Stefan Haböck, International Officer of the Paneuropa Movement Austria, points out that “any vacuum that Europe leaves in the region due to a lack of interest will be filled by other powers. This serves neither the stability of the region nor that of the European Union.” Even during Austria’s Council Presidency, the Paneuropa Movement Austria expected a concrete implementation of visa-free travel for Kosovars. “The promise was that if Kosovo met the criteria, visa-free travel would follow. That promise was not kept. This does not bode well for the credibility of the EU member states,” reminds Rainhard Kloucek, referring to the hesitant stance of too many European governments on this matter.

Austria still holds a certain foreign policy great power status in the region, partly due to its historical connections. “Now Austria must also demonstrate that we are prepared to deliver,” Stefan Haböck reminds, referring to a long tradition of good relations between Austria and the countries of Southeast Europe.

Note: The Paneuropa Movement Austria is the Austrian organisation of the non-partisan Paneuropean Union. Founded in 1922 by Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi, it is the oldest European unification movement with 24 organisations in 22 European states.

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