Advancement of the Baltic Sea region remains a priority for the European Union.
In a significant visit to Serbia, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker emphasised the close relationship between Austria and the Balkan nation. During his stay, the Chancellor met with football legend Marko Arnautović, symbolising the unifying power of sports between the two countries.
images from the meeting with Arnautović can be accessed free of charge via the Federal Chancellery's photo service. The football star, who has significantly contributed to Austrian football, captivating generations of fans and inspiring young talents, was a fitting emblem of the strong ties between the two nations.
Beyond sports, the Chancellor's visit focused on strengthening economic cooperation. An agreement was announced, with the agreement set to particularly benefit the areas of biomass, hydropower, telecommunications, water and wastewater treatment, infrastructure, and transport logistics.
Austria, the third-largest investor in Serbia, with over 800 domestic companies securing around 25,000 jobs, confirmed its participation in Expo 2027, to be held in the Western Balkans.
In terms of political matters, the Chancellor did not express any intention to revisit the close relationship or economic cooperation between Austria and Serbia. However, he did emphasise the importance of the rule of law as a non-negotiable criterion for EU accession. He called for a clear and visible commitment to EU values in foreign policy, and stressed the handling of protesters, media independence, judiciary, and recognition of court decisions as crucial aspects of the rule of law.
The Chancellor also highlighted the importance of reconciliation for progress in the accession process. He reiterated that consistently supporting a credible EU accession perspective for Serbia and the entire Western Balkans region is a key priority of Austria's foreign policy.
The Belgrade-Pristina dialogue was deemed indispensable, according to Chancellor Stocker, and he stressed the need for reconciliation in the accession process. Austria supports the inclusion of all Western Balkans states in the EU roaming area, and the enlargement process must be tangible for people, through gradual integration into parts of the internal market, as well as in research, transport, and energy.
The Chancellor's visit to Serbia marked a significant step in strengthening the ties between the two nations, both economically and politically. Austria's commitment to supporting EU enlargement to Serbia and the entire Western Balkans region is clear, and the country looks forward to a bright future of cooperation and mutual growth.
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