Austrian support for accession to the Council of Europe and rapprochement with the European Union
Vienna (PK) – In a meeting with his Kosovan counterpart Glauk Konjufca, the president of the National Council, Wolfgang Sobotka, called for the continuation of the dialogue with Serbia on the basis of the Brussels agreement. This is crucial for the stability and European perspective of the entire Western Balkan region, which must be considered in its entirety. Konjufca, who belongs to Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetevendosje (“Self-Determination”) party, will visit the Parliament Democracy Workshop as part of his visit to Vienna and meet with representatives of the Austria-Kosovo Bilateral Parliamentary Group.
Sobotka: Bringing the Western Balkans closer to the EU has always been a major concern for Austria
The President of the National Council, Wolfgang Sobotka, was convinced that the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia would be decisive for the stability and European prospects of the entire Western Balkan region. Therefore, he called for the continuation of the dialogue on the basis of the Brussels agreement, as this is the only realistic way. It is clear to him that there are still many obstacles to be overcome, but it is up to politicians to find compromises. For example, various agreements on practical and day-to-day issues, such as the agreement on vehicle registration plates, can help to gradually create new awareness between Kosovo and Serbia. According to Sobotka, EU Special Envoy Miroslav Lajčák, who enjoys Austria’s unconditional trust, could play an important role. In terms of economic development, the intensification of regional cooperation must also continue, as already decided in the framework of the “Berlin Process”.
Austria has always been a staunch supporter of EU membership for the Western Balkans, with the region being considered as a whole, underlined Sobotka. In view of the membership applications of Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova, this perspective must not be lost. In order to enhance the EU’s credibility, EU accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia must start quickly. This could also provide an important boost to other candidate countries in the region. Kosovo’s sympathetic attitude on the issue of sanctions against Russia clearly showed that the country is unequivocally committed to the European community of values. Austria therefore supports not only rapprochement with the EU, but also the desired membership of the Council of Europe. Furthermore, they intend to raise the issue of visa liberalization at European level.
With regard to parliamentary cooperation with Kosovo, Sobotka welcomed the good development of the scholarship programs and above all the holding of a democracy workshop based on the Austrian model in Pristina. Given that a project like this is an important contribution to political education and the teaching of democratic values, he hopes that it will be continued in the future and guaranteed both financially and in terms of personnel.
Konjufca wants a definitive solution to the recognition issue
Kosovo Parliament Speaker Glauk Konjufca highlighted the close bilateral relations and thanked Austria for its support in many areas, such as the application for membership of the Council of Europe. He agreed with Sobotka that the dialogue with Serbia must continue, but the negotiations will be very difficult. In total, 33 agreements have been concluded between the two countries in the last eleven years, but a definitive solution to the issue of recognition is now needed in the interests of stability and peace in the Balkans.
Konjufca, who has been Speaker of the Parliament of Kosovo since last year, assured the President of the National Council that the Democracy Workshop would continue. It is an excellent model that will help open institutions and involve civil society. (next) process
NOTE: Photos from this visit can be found on the Parliament website.
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