Austrian Minister for Europe, Integration and Family Klaudia Bauer stated that the proposal for gradual integration, or „associated membership“ in the European Union (EU), is a good one, as it can offer people „something tangible,“ but emphasized that this must never become a permanent substitute for full membership.
In an interview with today’s edition of Politika, Bauer said that this is especially necessary for countries in the Western Balkans.
„We are talking about enlargement processes that have already lasted more than 20 years. Frustration is high, especially among young people who grew up with the promise that, when they became adults, they would be EU citizens, and that has not happened,“ said the Austrian minister.
Bauer reiterated that such an approach could be a „bridge in the enlargement process,“ but that it „must never become a parking lot.“
„Such an approach clearly demonstrates the concrete results of the EU accession process and shows citizens of candidate countries that it pays to stay on the right path and support their government in implementing reforms,“ she added.
She assessed that a merit-based approach is needed, but that this approach must work both ways—the candidate country must implement reforms, and the EU must fulfill its obligations.
Asked about the fact that Cluster 3 has not yet been opened for Serbia in the process of EU integration, she stated that Austria’s position on this issue has always been clear.
„The European Commission has repeatedly assessed that Serbia is technically ready to open Cluster 3 and we, of course, support that. We want to see progress in the negotiations and for them to continue,“ Bauer said.
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