Serbia in EU by 2025? Possible, but not guaranteed

The Ambassador of Austria to Serbia, Nikolaus Lutterotti, believes that the year 2025 is a viable date for Serbia's accession to the EU, but that this can not be guaranteed, and emphasizes that progress depends to a large extent on reforms in Serbia.

They are preparing in Pristina for "drawing" of the border with Serbia

Recommended

The Austrian ambassador, which took over the EU presidency on July 1, said in an interview for the European Western Balkans portal that progress is primarily dependent on reforms in the rule of law and stressed that the country will continue to strongly support the reform of the accession perspective.

He said that Austria hopes to see significant and concrete progress in the enlargement process in the Western Balkans, especially when it comes to Serbia, adding that the topic deserves high political attention.

Foto: Tanjug/Zoran Žestić

He also added that during the presidency, his country wants to focus on three priorities, including security and the fight against illegal migration, the protection of European competitiveness, and persevering in maintaining a strong focus on the stability of Southeast Europe.

When asked whether two intergovernmental conferences will be held during the EU Presidency in which Serbia will open more chapters into negotiations, he reiterates that the reform process depends on the Serbian government and that the EU must see noticeable progress in the Serbian reform agenda. 

Speaking about the Berlin process and the outcome of the summit in London, Luterotti said that this is a good and up-to-date format, but that progress or failure in reconciliation, resolving open bilateral issues or co-operation in infrastructure projects does not depend on formats, but on the commitment of all involved actors.

He says some politicians in the Western Balkans have taken the right steps and emphasized that only reconciliation and regional cooperation can lead to stability and prosperity, but much more has to be done on this issue.

Luterotti says that the young people of the Balkans will determine the future of the region and emphasizes that Austria, therefore, supports the Regional Office for Youth Cooperation.

VIDEO - KFOR performs exercises, a convoy of vehicles passing through Kosovo:

(Telegraf.co.uk / Tanjug)