Austria supports gradual EU integration for Western Balkans

Austrian Minister for Europe, Integration and Family, Klaudia Bauer, has expressed support for the concept of gradual integration, or ‘associated membership,’ within the European Union. She noted that this approach could provide tangible benefits to candidate countries, particularly in the Western Balkans, where expansion processes have lasted over 20 years.

Bauer emphasized that while gradual integration can serve as a ‘bridge’ in the enlargement process, it must never become a permanent substitute for full membership. She stressed that the approach should be merit-based, requiring candidate countries to implement reforms while the EU fulfills its own obligations.

Regarding Serbia, Bauer stated that Austria supports the opening of Cluster 3, noting that the European Commission has repeatedly assessed Serbia as technically ready for this step. She expressed a desire to see progress and continuity in the negotiation process.