Alexander Van der Bellen will hold political talks in the Balkans on Monday and Tuesday. The head of state sees himself as a door opener for Austrian companies in the world. Justice Minister Alma Zadic is also traveling along.
Accompanied by about 30 Austrian company representatives, Van der Bellen and Zadic are on an economic mission in the two Western Balkan states of Albania and North Macedonia. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg was unable to make the trip due to illness.
“The region offers enormous opportunities for the Austrian economy,” explains the Federal President. “That’s why I’m glad that so many local companies are joining me to establish contacts here and take advantage of the opportunities in the future. As Federal President, my job is to be a door opener for Austrian companies in the world.”
According to Van der Bellen, the prospect of joining the EU is important for Albania and North Macedonia. Especially in challenging times like these, the Western Balkans should not be forgotten: “Austria ensures that this does not happen. We clearly show that with this trip.”
Austria supports the enlargement of the EU with six Western Balkan countries
Austria will remain the spearhead of those countries that wholeheartedly support EU enlargement to include the six western Balkan countries, Schallenberg said before his rejection. It is a “region that is very close to us politically, personally and economically and that we must tie even closer to ourselves before others do.”
Zadic agrees that it is our responsibility to support these countries on their way to the EU: “Fighting corruption, strengthening the rule of law and protecting the independent judiciary are priorities.”
Chamber of Commerce Vice President Martha Schultz is confident that the opportunities for products and know-how from Austria are excellent.
Source: Krone
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