Paneuropa/Habsburg: The Balkans are the Key to a Peaceful Europe!
Paneuropa/Habsburg: The Balkans are the Key to a Peaceful Europe!
Subtitle: Habsburg Welcomes Western Balkans Summit – Emphasis Must Be on Rule of Law and Democracy
Karl von Habsburg, President of the Paneuropa Movement Austria, therefore welcomes the progress made at the 4th Western Balkans Summit, which took place this week in Trieste, but warns: “An economic union between the Balkan states cannot and must not be a substitute for a genuine European perspective!”
“Close economic cooperation and stronger investment in cross-border infrastructure projects are sensible; an economic upturn is absolutely essential,” Habsburg states with conviction, but cautions: “State investments can also be offered by non-European powers such as Russia, China, Turkey, or the USA. However, individual rights are decisive. The goal must therefore be to integrate the citizens of the South-Eastern European countries into a Europe governed by the rule of law and democracy.”
Beyond ethnic tensions or still-open wounds from wartime, deficiencies in the rule of law and relatively high corruption represent a significant impediment to positive development. A firm stance is required towards the governments in these countries, coupled with strong incentives and freedoms for their citizens.
“Europe has a vested interest in a stable Balkans, which is why we welcome every EU initiative in this regard,” explains Stefan Haböck, International Officer of the Paneuropa Movement Austria. However, it is also clear that the fate of these countries lies in the hands of the Balkan governments themselves. The fact that some of these governments are sending strongly authoritarian and nationalistic signals is devastating for the European perspective.
“We therefore call on all politicians to refrain from provocations against neighbours and other ethnic groups, and to ensure high standards of rule of law and political stability,” Haböck stresses.
From a Pan-European perspective, it has always been clear that without peace in the Balkans, peace throughout Europe cannot endure. Paneuropa views the Western Balkan states as a vital part of Europe, whose security and stability are essential for peaceful European integration.
