Schallenberg is planning important steps towards the EU integration of the Western Balkan states

Schallenberg is planning important steps towards the EU integration of the Western Balkan states

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg is traveling to Rome on Monday to take part in a significant meeting of the “Friends of the Western Balkans” group. This meeting will be chaired by Antonio Tajani, Italian Foreign Minister, and will be held for the first time at ministerial level with representatives of the six Western Balkan states. Schallenberg emphasizes the urgency of the gradual EU integration of these states in order to promote their economic development and advance alignment with the EU's internal market. "The Western Balkan states are not Europe's backwater, but our inner sphere. It is essential that we firmly integrate the region into our European family," explained Schallenberg bmeia.gv.at reported.

A central topic of the discussions will also be the development of South Tyrol's autonomy, a concern that Schallenberg would like to highlight during his stay in Rome. He will work for a positive further development of the autonomy of this northern Italian province, as progress has recently been made in the reforms. “A long-term and sensible solution for the suffering population in Tyrol can only be found through dialogue,” said Schallenberg kleinezeitung.at.

EU enlargement and stability in focus

At the same time, geopolitical trouble spots, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, are on the agenda. Schallenberg emphasizes Austria's protective role for the region and reiterates the need to take the interests of all parties involved into account. The minister reiterated that the EU should increase its efforts to include the Western Balkans in EU forums to promote stability and counteract autocratic forces.