an hour agonew Austrian Chancellor says Western Balkans is one of his priorities
Periskopi(5 years ago)
(5 years ago)The new Austrian Chancellor, Alexander Schallenberg, visited Brussels, the first this international one after taking office. Presenting his political priorities to European Union officials, Schallenberg said one of the main efforts would be to bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU. Schallenberg, who worked in Brussels and completed postgraduate studies at the College [...]
Schallenberg, who worked in Brussels and completed postgraduate studies at the College of Europe in Brizh, called the trip to Belgium a <x0 m. m. “and stressed that it was a self-aware “synal” that Austria wants to work closely with the EU to address the challenges ahead, writes Euacts.
He also stressed that he wants to continue the course of his predecessor, Sebastian Kurz, who was forced to resign after corruption scandal.
Schallenberg said one of his main concerns would be bringing the Western Balkans closer to the EU and facilitating the region's entry into the EU.
Austria's most important goal is to have no more divisions in Europe,” said the new Austrian Chancellor, adding that EU enlargement in the Western Balkans was “an emotion issue”.
Schallenberg also said he does not want to give the impression to eastern EU members that they are second grade countries.
However, he strongly condemned recent developments in Poland, whose constitutional court questioned the EU's priority over national ones. Schallenberg called last week's decision by the Polish Constitutional Court “extremely dangerous”.
I think that approach to Poland is quite accurate. However, things depend on how we communicate with each other,” Schallenberg said.
Schallenberg said in Brussels he would follow his predecessor's conservative fiscal policy and Austria's firm stance on migration.
The new Chancellor spoke in Brussels on 14 October with European Commission President Ursula von der Layeen and European Council President Charles Michel.
According to the AFP agency, Von der Leenen also praised that the fact Schallenberg chose Brussels for his first visit represents a strong “synal”.
“expects good co-operation. We have a lot in common,” said Ursula von der Leenen, pointing to European climate policy, digitisation and overcoming the effects of pandemic.
“You can be sure that Austria will try to be constructive, but of course, if necessary, a vocal partner in the EU,” said Schalenberg.
