WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
Choose language:
AUTHOR: M.J. GDNUS
Austrian Minister for European Affairs, Claudia Plakolm, a member of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), has called for an acceleration of the European Union’s enlargement.
“Concrete steps must finally follow in the Western Balkans that will be felt by the population,” she said in an interview with APA.
She hopes that the EU will admit its first membership candidates “in the next few years,” at the latest by 2030. Considering the aggressive trade policies of U.S. President Donald Trump, she believes that Europe must “take the initiative” itself, instead of merely hoping.
Plakolm emphasizes that “the Western Balkans have been talked about for over 20 years, but with no significant progress, because neighboring countries often block the process.” In this context, she is open to the possibility of limiting veto rights within the EU.
“It would be more useful if we could take some steps faster, and only at the end of the process return to unanimity. But I still think it’s important that we find consensus and engage in dialogue on key issues.”
The minister warns that the EU risks losing credibility in the Western Balkans.
“There’s a danger that if we miss the European integration, the Western Balkans could become a plaything for other global powers,” she said, likely alluding to Russia and China’s influence.
“It is especially felt, when we look at the protests in Serbia, that the population is more ready than ever for reforms, for European integration, and that it now finally needs concrete improvements. You can see that young people, students, are supporting this by taking to the streets and demanding action from politicians,” explained the thirty-year-old minister for Europe, integration, and family affairs.
Plakolm advocates for “gradual integration” of the more advanced candidates into the EU through participation in EU programs.
“We can already take steps by expanding or launching European programs in countries that are already on the right path,” she said.
The countries she considers the most advanced are Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania. When asked if they could become members by 2030, she replied, “I hope so, I would love that.”
Regarding Ukraine’s candidate status, she stated that it was a geopolitical decision.
“Clearly, we support Ukraine as Austria and as the EU, because on February 24, 2022, a country on European soil was attacked. And getting closer to our European principles, our values, can only be beneficial. But even if the war of Russian aggression ends soon, Ukraine will not be ready to become an EU member overnight,” said the Austrian minister. She reminded that the process took more than 20 years for some countries.
“In that regard, the Western Balkans are far ahead of Ukraine.”
On the proposal for Canada’s EU membership, which was suggested by former German foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel, a sharp opponent of Trump’s annexation ideas, Plakolm did not react positively: “There are already enough candidates waiting.” However, she believes that the EU should strengthen its international partnerships – including with Canada.
Speaking about current global turbulence, partly caused by Trump’s trade policy, Plakolm called for strengthening European confidence: “It’s important that Europe doesn’t withdraw, that we strengthen strategic sovereignty, not depend on the mercy of others, and that we are seen as a strong global player, not a pawn.”
She compared the EU to “an old ship standing at sea waiting for favorable winds,” adding that “we can turn the sails ourselves to catch the wind.”
Regarding the trade agreement with the Mercosur countries, she said there is still room for negotiations, especially due to concerns shared by other EU countries.
“Austria is not alone in this. We need to find a smart middle ground that will allow access to new markets for our industry, especially the automobile industry. Two out of three euros in Austria are earned from exports.”
Plakolm welcomed the European Commission’s plan to strengthen European defense (ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030).
“I’m glad we are taking responsibility to strengthen ourselves, especially in terms of defense. Austria will, in accordance with its constitution, utilize all available options, especially financial ones.”
Speaking about the EU budget after 2027, she emphasized that Austria, which is currently grappling with a high budget deficit, will continue to advocate for a prudent approach.
“Our position remains unchanged, as our status as a net contributor to the EU will also remain unchanged. Therefore, of course, we advocate for careful and prudent use of the EU’s financial resources. There would be potential for efficiency and savings if we spent less time on details and minor issues. Therefore, the multi-annual financial framework should reflect the fact that we are dealing with major issues, defense and security, and competitiveness.”
When asked if the EU could finance the planned European Air Defense Shield (Sky Shield), she responded: “We can certainly consider such things.”
The minister refrained from harsh criticism of Hungary’s blocking of EU decisions, stating that dialogue is what has always made Europe strong.
When asked if she supports Viktor Orbán’s anti-EU rhetoric, she replied: “No. These issues are being dealt with very clearly. But I believe that withholding dialogue actually strengthens the position of one member state.”
Regarding Hungary’s intention to leave the International Criminal Court, she said that this must be respected, as each country decides for itself, and pointed out that some major democracies, such as the U.S. and Israel, are not members of that court.
When it comes to major digital platforms like TikTok, Plakolm calls for stricter regulation by the EU.
“We have a legal framework – the Digital Services Act, and that framework must function. We must have the ability to seek consequences for platforms that do not cooperate and do not remove radical, anti-democratic, and extremist content.” A ban, she said, should be the last resort, as otherwise, the problem would just shift to other channels.
