Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) has once again spoken out in favor of a rapid EU accession perspective for the countries of the Western Balkans. Red-white-red companies are among the largest investors in the Western Balkans, so the EU must “win positively” in the competition with other countries, for example in Serbia.
For example, China is developing a stronger presence in the Western Balkans, Nehammer said at the “Salzburg Europe Summit” of the ÖVP-affiliated Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE). Countries such as the United Arab Emirates are also prepared to make major investments and ‘certainly gain space for influence here’. Europe cannot be naive, the Chancellor said.
“No accelerated procedure for Ukraine”
At the same time, Nehammer once again emphasized that there would be “no accelerated procedure” with Austria to the EU for countries such as Ukraine. “There must be a level playing field, because the European community must also take itself seriously through the framework for membership that it sets for itself.” Austria will remain “a strong and reliable partner” for the Western Balkan states as it does so to ensure a level playing field for EU membership.
The IRE was founded in 2004 by the former Governor of Salzburg Franz Schausberger (ÖVP) as a private, non-profit foundation. It claims to be a forum for European regions, municipalities and companies. According to the company’s own information, 160 members from 23 countries are currently part of the network.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
