Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen considers a “realistic accession perspective” for the countries of the Western Balkans “more important than ever” in light of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. He sees Montenegro as a “frontrunner”. It is realistic that the small Adriatic state will be a member of the EU in 2028.
At the moment, Van der Bellen sees “no insurmountable difficulties” that would prevent accession in 2028, as Van der Bellen said on Thursday on the occasion of Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović’s visit to Vienna.
All 35 negotiating chapters are already open. And unlike other accession candidates, Montenegro has no conflicts or disputes with neighboring countries that could hinder the accession process.
Milatović criticizes “lack of presence”
Milatović was convinced that the accession of the Western Balkans to the European Union would be the “only guarantee of stability and prosperity in this region of Europe”. In the past, the EU’s “lack of presence” in the Western Balkans has led certain countries to increase their influence in the region, Milatović said, specifically mentioning China and Russia.
Van der Bellen also warned that if the EU does not become more involved in the Western Balkans, a “political vacuum” will be created there that other states would benefit from. That cannot be in the European interest. The attack on Ukraine gave the Western Balkans “new attention” and eliminated the Union’s “laziness and fatigue” regarding expansion. “We cannot afford to leave these countries out of consideration.”
Historical visit
It was the first visit by a Montenegrin president to Austria since independence. In 2006, Montenegro seceded from Serbia.
Van der Bellen spoke of it as a “sign of friendship between Austria and Montenegro and as a symbol of Austria’s commitment to the Western Balkans.” He underlined the importance of bilateral relations between Austria and Montenegro, especially in the fields of economy and energy.
President Milatović hoped for more direct investments from Austrian companies in Montenegro. Austria is currently in the top 10 for direct investment, and Milatović wants the country to rise to the top 5 in the future. Van der Bellen also emphasized cooperation in the field of vocational training in view of the shortage of skilled workers.
Opera ball in the evening
During his visit to Vienna, Milatović will also speak with Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP), who recently took part in a meeting of the “Friend of the Western Balkans” in Rome. On Thursday evening, Milatović and his wife Milena accompanied the Federal President and his wife Doris Schmidauer to the Opera Ball at the Vienna State Opera.
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.
