Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has expressed his support for the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union.
At the European Wachau Forum on “Preserving the future of Europe and EU enlargement” alongside Prime Minister Edi Rama, the chancellor said that the issue is complex, while mentioning his country’s support for Albania’s independence.
“The issue is quite complex, they heard about the disappointment, the duration of the negotiations, the attempts to get the status. And the existing problem between Bulgaria and Northern Macedonia and Albania related to this.
There are people who question our commitment and ask why we are in favor of the Western Balkan countries becoming part of the EU. We are among the largest investors in the Western Balkans, but there are also many competitors, Saudi Arabia, Turkey that has built the airport in Kosovo, of course for its interests.
How absurd it would be that an Austrian chancellor would not stand by Albania to become part of Europe. We supported the independence of Albania, this brings us closer and shows how close we are to each other. So much has happened over time, but the strong bond that comes from history, we have always been allies. Let us not dwell on the old narrative. The history of Austria is characterized by the experience of ups and downs, we have seen victories and defeats. And how long does it take for that.
You are right, Edi, there are many challenges that need to be addressed, especially in relation to the ethnic tensions associated with the break-up of the former Yugoslavia. “We must learn from our history with humility,” said Nehammer.