Sobotka: Austria remains one of the Western Balkans’ biggest supporters on the way to the EU
Vienna (PK) – The rapprochement of the Western Balkans with the EU remains a central concern of Austria, emphasized National Council President Sobotka at a meeting with the parliamentary presidium of Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of his two-day visit to Sarajevo. Austria and the EU are “pulling together” in this regard and the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina lies in the EU, he emphasized to the President of the House of Nations Kemal Ademović, his Vice President Nikola Špirić and MP Zdenko Ćosić as well as the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Nebojša Radmanović and Denis Zvizdic.
At today’s working meeting, the parliamentary leaders discussed further developments in the integration process and the associated challenges. Austria will continue to work for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU integration, but at the same time the country must fulfill its tasks and, in particular, accept upcoming legal reforms. The representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina underlined the importance of quickly opening accession negotiations to further strengthen the will to reform in the country and as a signal to the population. Sobotka also described the relations between Serbia and Kosovo as a “bottleneck” on the entire region’s path towards the EU, in which further efforts towards normalization are necessary. Austria is committed to the gradual integration of the Western Balkan states in the various areas of European politics. Specifically for Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is important to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the EU’s growth plan and to develop a corresponding reform agenda, said Sobotka.
Exchange on internal and external security
In addition to the EU integration process and various projects within the framework of parliamentary cooperation, security policy aspects were at the center of the exchange. The participants at the meeting agreed that the unity of Europe, including the countries of the Western Balkans, is becoming increasingly important from a geostrategic and security policy perspective. Sobotka welcomed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress in combating organized crime through the final establishment of a Europol contact point and efforts in managing migration through the introduction of a new action plan.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Sobotka emphasized the need for a united approach by the EU and the candidate states, strategic patience and continued pressure on Russia. Awareness of Russian disinformation and destabilization attempts must also be raised, especially with a view to the upcoming elections, as Sobotka emphasized. Austria is also committed to a thorough and independent investigation of war crimes and continues to support the sanctions against Russia, said Sobotka.
The situation in Israel and Gaza was also discussed. It was emphasized that international humanitarian law is non-negotiable and must apply to all parties involved. Austria clearly supports Israel and its right to self-defense, explained Sobotka. At the same time, it condemns the violence of Israeli settlers in the West Bank and provides humanitarian aid in Gaza and the region.
During his visit, National Council President Sobotka also met the mayor of Sarajevo, Benjamina Karić, as well as Jakob Finci, the president of the Jewish community, and the Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Husein Kavazović. (End) wit
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