EU Enlargement in the Western Balkans: Meinl-Reisinger Desires "New Momentum"

"Without them, the EU is not complete," said Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger about the Western Balkan states. "We also see concrete progress," noted the NEOS politician in the new issue of "Cercle Diplomatique." "Montenegro and Albania are the frontrunners here. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Serbia, we support the rapprochement with Europe. It is important that the benefits are tangible and credible."

Meinl-Reisinger: "EU must become more transparent and closer to citizens"

Austria was the initiator of "gradual integration," Meinl-Reisinger recalled, "a dynamization of the process where countries benefit from advantages even before full membership, for example through integration into the European payment area or cooperation in the education sector." At the same time, however, it applies: "The accession criteria must remain the same for everyone."

In principle, the EU must become more transparent and closer to citizens, analyzed Austria's chief diplomat. This could also counter the rise of right-wing populists in Europe. "We must confront the populists with a clear commitment to our common European values: democracy, rule of law, human dignity." In times of global crises, people seek orientation, she showed understanding for any uncertainties. It is all the more important that the EU "creates fair opportunities and specifically combats disinformation."

Austria should participate in EU defense policy

Austria should also participate in European defense policy, demanded the Foreign Minister. "Our security is inextricably linked with that of the EU. The geopolitical situation is changing rapidly. Therefore, we must invest more in European security and defense."

Participation in the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy is also not in contradiction with Austria's neutrality, Meinl-Reisinger emphasized and added: "Our military neutrality is not a shield against global uncertainties. We see it: hybrid threats from Russia, trade wars, the disregard of international rules. Security is not achieved through isolation, but through active participation in shaping a stable world order."

Meinl-Reisinger: "We Continue to Stand Clearly by Israel's Side"

Regarding the Middle East conflict, Meinl-Reisinger emphasized Austria's position: "We continue to stand clearly by Israel's side. During my Middle East trip, I reaffirmed Israel's right to exist and its legitimate right to self-defense. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. At the same time, Hamas must be disarmed and should play no role in the Gaza Strip in the future."

However, the suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip must not be ignored. "Humanity and international law are non-negotiable. Civilians, especially women and children, must be protected." Recognition of Palestine as a state is currently not an issue: "I do not see how recognition would currently lead to any change in the situation on the ground. In the long term, there is no way around a two-state solution based on international law - but only after a political process."

"Austria Offers Itself as a Venue for Negotiations"

In the face of Russian aggression against Ukraine, Austria clearly stands for a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace and also offers itself as a venue for negotiations, the Foreign Minister stated. "As a seat of the UN and OSCE, Vienna holds a special position here. This also applies to talks about the Iranian nuclear program."

Meinl-Reisinger did not want to accept that the mentioned international organizations and thus their location in Vienna have lost significance due to recent global developments: "No, on the contrary. Precisely because Russia violates international rules, we need organizations like the UN and the OSCE more than ever. Their principles have been broken, but that should not lead us to abandon them."

For Austria, it is clear: "The strength of the law must prevail, not the law of the strongest. That is why we are running for the UN Security Council in 2027/28: We want to further strengthen Vienna as a place of dialogue."

(APA/Red)

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