Mandl: I never thought Israel would recognise Kosovo, it was a special joy

Lucas Mandl is one of the Eurodeputs who engage with force and enthusiasm for the positioning and future of Kosovo and the Western Balkans in the EU. With his job as an MP in the European Parliament from 2017 onward, he tries to integrate the Western Balkans into the EU, not only economically, but, above all, principled and democratic.

His newest book, presented in 17. February 2021, the Day of Kosovo Independence, is called „Kosovo and the EU state of play“. “... Austria and Kosovo are closely linked; The Kosovo population in Austria is growing increasingly... Beyond that, Austrian investments in Kosovo are above average. Many Austrian companies rely on labor power from Kosovo”, - so Mandl says. With the introduction of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in Lucas Mandl's book, readers open up many prospects and reveal details about Kosovo and in general about the Western Balkans.

Albinfo.at: Your newest dictionary-shaped book published on the anniversary of Kosovo Independence is called„Kosovo and the EU state of play“you have dedicated to Kosovo. What effect is this book expected, and what are its basic subjects?

Lucas Mandl: This book brings together current European thoughts and views on the Republic of Kosovo, provided by figures known by the fields of politics, society and science. The idea to publish it in the form of a dictionary was to facilitate the finding of them on the basis of the terminology discussed, such as “The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Kosovo”, “Chairman of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee”, Serbia's “spokesperson at the European Parliament” etc. Subject management begins from visa liberalisation for Kosovo citizens, which should have been approved over time by the EU, from necessary reforms in justice, which should be done by Kosovo anyway to promote investments, to opportunities in the digital field or in other areas.

Albinfo.at: Do many prominent figures in European policy on Kosovo speak in the book, has this been a strategy of yours, or has this been a spontaneous selection?

Lucas Mandl: There was not much room to make that decision. The goal was to gather thoughts and views of a large part of European decisionmakers, who play an important role and bear responsibility for Kosovo's future, as well as for the fulfillment of the big European dream to gather all states under one roof. All the figures in the book are my partners in parliamentary work in various fields. I asked everyone for a partnership, and most readily agreed. That way we managed to realise a current mirror as well as a look into Kosovo's future.

Citizens of Kosovo, especially young people, are very pro-European. What would happen if this sympathy did not continue to be paid with the same currency from the EU? How is this subject discussed in your book?

Lucas Mandl: Many co-authors plot topics about the future, not only are they important, but above all, emergency. We need to become citizens for the fact that good desire towards the Western Balkans and especially towards Kosovo for a good future begins, now. The future begins TANI. That's exactly what we're working on. I also want to declare to young people in Kosovo that they have strong partners in Europe and around the world, for whom the future of this generation has special significance. These strong partners will always benefit Kosovo citizens, who are an asset not only to Europe but to the entire human family.

Albinfo.at: Kosovo is somewhat like your “feming”, you are the founder of “Do you have a special relationship with him or do you just care politically?

Lucas Mandl: Co-operation with Kosovo is for me as the Austrian Eurodeput, not only an obligation under the work, but also a commitment that I am very pleased to make, because there are high priority goals, motivating me to fight for them and move on. Kosovo's good progress and development, as well as the Western Balkans, are of primary importance both to Austria and to all of Europe. To remember here hospitality, optimism about the future, cosmopolism or the <x0Hand-on” mentality, which I especially value in Kosovo Albanians. I also have friendly relationships, as one of my close friends, Arber Mark, is of Albanian descent and comes from Debar in Northern Macedonia. He is also secretary-general of “The Kosovo-Auto Friendship Association”.

Albinfo.at: Months ago, Kosovo has been recognised as an independent state even by Israel. What does that mean for Kosovo's future?

Lucas Mandl: In fact, Kosovo should finally recognise it as an independent state and five EU member states. The recognition of Kosovo as an independent state by Israel has been and is a joyful surprise. I never thought Israel would recognise Kosovo before these states. For me, this is a special joy, for I also have close relationships with Israel and the Israelites. Israel showed all of us that it has a diplomatic situation and that of the future under full control, and with that far-reaching decision, it became an example for Spain, Slovakia, Romania, Cyprus and Greece. Meanwhile, the decision of these states does not directly deal with the positioning against Kosovo, but, above all, with the problems of each state in domestic politics. Israel's decision is a great assessment for Kosovo, and it also influences to increase pressure on these five EU member states to make the decision as quickly as possible.

Albinfo.at: You have often stressed that the EU must keep its promises; for example. Visa liberalisation for Kosovo citizens. But on the other hand, EU citizens can travel visa-free to Kosovo, as well as Western Balkan states have long seen freedom of movement. Why is this still blocking, even though Kosovo has long fulfilled all the criteria?

Lucas Mandl: This subject is pathetic and unfair. Still, it's easy to understand. On the basis of EU agreements, as it says its constitution, it requires that any decision achieve unanimous not only in the European Parliament, but also among member states. I mean. The European Parliament has voted for visa liberalisation, and the European Commission has officially approved that Kosovo meets all criteria. The problem lies with member states, which have to decide in terms of foreign policy unanimously, so they have to vote all for, without exception. Unfortunately, this unanimity has not been achieved until now. I as MP and a large part of parliament often try to promote this decision.

Albinfo. ch: You have been in 2019 the EU's delegate for election monitoring in Kosovo and you have declared: “... have been the most organised elections in Europe's newest state, which is only 11 years old Republic...”. I believe you've followed them and the last elections in February 2021, have you noticed any changes?  

Lucas Mandl: Along with several Euro-deputes, who have close ties with Kosovo, we tried to persuade the speaker of parliament to ease some rules of pandemic and allow election monitoring through a delegation of Eurodeputts. My main goal was to contribute to the development of clean and unbounded elections, ensuring a democratic electoral process, but this was not approved because during the pandemic the trips of two European parliament delegations have been banned. As far as I'm aware, several international monitors have been conducted and I can say I'm satisfied with the fact that I've heard nothing extremely negative about the elections so far. So, I can say that elections have been well organized. Democracy in Kosovo is functioning and this is already visible.

Albinfo.at: Adding to the previous question, how do you think Albin Kurti will do his job? How do you appreciate it?

Lucas MandlI believe Albin Box and Vyosa Osmani will be able to do a good job together in “Team”. They formed an alliance with each other that succeeded in clearly gaining the trust of the electorate. They can bring together everything that is in the best interests of the citizens of Kosovo, which I very much want because they deserve: first, stability in different structures; and secondly, in relations with the right partners by gaining strength and support for reforms in both domestic and foreign policy. These things will really be important. At all these points, Albin Kurti and Vjosa Osmani, as well as all colleagues and colleagues in the Kosovo Parliament, will have support from many sides, of course and from me. Co-operation will be the key and something absolutely necessary for Albin Kurti and Vjosa Osmani to realise the unity and successful roads mentioned above for Kosovo citizens.

Albinfo.at: How do you assess Kosovo's visions and prospects for decades to come?

Lucas Mandl: Politically, there is much to be done. The quality of living, opportunities and educational development, health and many other things depend on the country's economic development. Especially do relations with neighbouring countries and with all of Europe have a powerful impact on the economy because business partners always have good relations. So the prospects and opportunities of youth in the future depend directly on economic development. If there are law state reforms, investments will flood, this will open up new jobs supporting talented and prepared young people to offer new opportunities to build their country. The traditional industry's pretty much gone, but there is. a good and functional agriculture. Beyond that, new opportunities must be created in the developing sectors. Such a sector is, or let's say it should be done, digitization. Kosovo and the Western Balkans must become as a kind of “Silicon Valley<x1 European>. This does not require a traditional industry. But what he needs is all those young people with full energy, hunger for education, thirst for wisdom, and hard work, which most of the young Kosovars have.

Albinfo.at: A quote from Carl Dedecius says: “the woe of our history has always come from the fact that we know very little of the East”. How would you describe the abyss between the West and the East/South East of Europe and where would you put the greatest emphasis on that?

Lucas Mandl: That's a tough quote I didn't know. I understand very well, and I think there are many truths in it. I personally experience in the European Parliament many changes in mentality between East and West, and I say so without doing any assessment. We're all Europeans, we belong to each other and, as it were, we've been brought together by fate on this continent. To Austria, they say so. It's often the most eastern part of the West, and that means something by itself. I often take the role of mediator in the European Parliament and gladly do so. Building bridges gives me satisfaction. This should be between North and South, East and West and beyond, everyone's motto. Good knowledge of each other, for Westerners to recognise the easterns or especially the southeasterns, is an investment in lasting peace and sound co-existence. The emphasis would be not just on parliamentary work here, but on each individual starting from its environment and circle. For an Austrian or Westerner is a loss when they care little about the East and Southeast.

Albinfo.at: In the six Western Balkan states, problems continue in the same areas so in justice, in establishing and strengthening the legal state, as well as in fighting corruption. How do you evaluate these in the future, and do these states make sufficient efforts to change something? How does the EU assess this?

Lucas Mandl: About this topic in the EU has multiple views. These are usually summed up in a new procedure for accepting candidate states, this collection was reviewed and approved by the EU a year ago. The various negotiating chapters continue to be negotiated until every chapter is opened, so really when there are no more points, closed and negotiations on the relevant chapter. The establishment and maintenance of the legal state will be the most important point for all six Western Balkan states. Let me explain the reasons for the importance of establishing the rule of law in its entirety, because this is not about bureaucracy or superficial paper. This is about the essence and soul of the European model. A good coexistence is possible only when the law is maintained and implemented and also when it is founded in a democratic manner and based on orientation to justice and freedom. When the law is maintained and implemented, investments result, opening new jobs as well. Thus, the establishment of the rule of law has to do directly with economic development. Meanwhile, fighting corruption and organised crime boosts confidence among social structures. This is crucial to the peace and attitude of citizens and citizens.

Albinfo.at: You have stressed the importance of Balkan stability for the EU, can you summarize us once more very short and simple?

Lucas Mandl: The EU alone represents the European lifestyle model. The United States represents similar values, but they are far away, yet they are also a welcome EU partner. The EU always requires co-operation with other parts of the world, but other parts tend more to confront and try to weaken Europe as much as possible, especially through the division of our societies and the division of the EU as a community. We do not tolerate this division and allow it. We expect him with protection, and at the same time, we look for the following confrontation. The Western Balkans is a region in which some parts of the world try to gain ground by fighting European values and seeking confrontation to achieve divisions and to have it easier. That is exactly what we should not allow. It is most important for all of Europe, that the popular and pro-European stance of most Western Balkans lead to a real European integration. To accomplish this requires much work, both from the EU's high structures and the six Western Balkan states. Europeans deserve this!

Albinfo.at: The United States of America and the West need the Albanian American alliance to control conflicts and tensions in the Balkans, as well as to minimize the influence of Slavic peoples on it. What attitude does the EU take at this point?

Lucas Mandl: The Western Balkan countries belong to Europe, not America. We hope that they will become members of the EU and not states of America. America is the largest and most important ally of the EU, especially under new administration at the White House there are signals for even better co-operation. I have the conviction that the EU should stay in dialogue, should never close windows, but also seek co-operation from a strong position, this also with Russia. At the same time, the EU must sanction any kind of red line violations of both Russia and Turkey. We have adopted a new sanctions mechanism that allows and sanctions against a single person. By doing so, we will be able to protect more precisely from attacks or divisive attempts. The EU has extinguished many fires in Europe in recent decades. They were once the most hostile Germany and France, today they are quite different. So it has been in many other small or large conflict areas. This will be done and the Western Balkans, not because the EU will do it, but because it offers and makes available the frames within which Europeans can build their freedom and values. America has been a great help throughout history and will continue under new administration.

I believe Albin Kurti and Vyosa Osmani will be able to do a good job together in “Team”. They formed an alliance with each other that succeeded in clearly gaining the trust of the electorate. They can bring together everything that is in the best interests of Kosovo citizens, which I very much want because they deserve: first, stability in different structures; and secondly, in relations with the right partners by gaining strength and support for reforms in both domestic and foreign policy.

Albinfo. ch: What political goals have you never forgotten?

Lucas Mandl: To stay close to people, not just myself. To do political work with pleasure, to emphasize that I am against violence and hatred, to treat each other with respect by praising dignity as well as fighting for freedom and peace. I am very grateful for any small or great support and assistance in this journey. It makes me happy when sometimes I manage to do something valuable and long-term.