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SARAJEVO, August 1 (FENA) – To Austria, the Western Balkans is not only the focus of the presidency of the Council of the European Union, but it has been an integral part of our foreign and European policy for years, said Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in an interview with Sarajevo daily newspaper “Dnevni avaz”.
Kurz believes that Austria should take on a more active role in the Western Balkans countries during the presidency, and that this absolutely stands for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Western Balkans is among the five priorities of Austria during the six-month EU presidency,” said Kurz, stressing that he knows BiH and the region very well, and that he visited BiH many times.”
In a spirit of long-standing Austrian tradition, Kurz said he would advocate for all the countries of the Western Balkans.
“Austria supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of BiH. In doing so, we unequivocally stand for the EU perspective for the whole region based on individual progress of individual countries,” said Kurz.
Speaking about BiH, Kurz pointed out that there is a clear prospect of accession for a sovereign, integral, undivided state. At the same time, he stressed, they support efforts, especially in the areas of rule of law, fight against corruption and electoral law reform, which are of particular importance on the path to the European Union.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina certainly must not allow itself to lag behind other countries in the region,” stressed Kurz.
He recalled that the Western Balkan Strategy has achieved a new dynamic and that Austria has supported the membership application of BiH to the European Commission.
“The EU perspective for the countries of the Western Balkans is in the clear interest of the European Union, and this was again emphasized at the informal summit of Heads of States and Governments on May 17 in Sofia,” Kurz recalled.
Speaking of illegal migration, Kurz said that it is necessary to change the system of European migration policy and that the latest conclusions during the last session of the European Council show a turn in the trend.
“This includes the decisive struggle against illegal migration and the protection of external borders," he said.
Illegal migrants after the rescue, he added, must be stopped and taken care of on the external border, and then return to their countries.
If that is impossible, Kurz believes that they should be offered temporary protection in the centers in third countries which are safe.
“Austria is ready to support the countries of the Western Balkans in the fight against illegal migration and smuggling of migrants,” concluded Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz.
(FENA) S. R.
