AUSTRIA, July 6 - On 7 July 2022, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazović. The main topics of the meeting were EU enlargement and Austria’s support for the Western Balkan states throughout the accession process, the effects of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, and prospects for regional collaboration.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Schallenberg once again reminded Prime Minister Abazović about Austria’s efforts to integrate the Western Balkan states into the European Union, and also offered further support during the accession process. Austria is prepared to provide Montenegro with technical assistance in the accession talks and reform efforts. Particularly in the current geopolitical situation, which is shaped by Russian destabilisation attempts in the Western Balkans as well as the growing influence of China, credible EU prospects are essential for the six Western Balkan states.

The EU cannot afford to have geopolitical tunnel vision. Austria is working to ensure that the ‘new EU candidates’ Ukraine and Moldova are not given preferential treatment over the Western Balkan states. The same rules must apply to every candidate. We support a gradual approach to expansion, with tangible benefits for the citizens. As the Western Balkan country that has advanced the furthest in the EU accession process, Montenegro serves as a role model for other candidate countries,

said Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.

As clear proof that Montenegro is committed to fundamental European values, Foreign Minister Schallenberg mentioned Montenegro’s support for the EU sanctions against Russia.

Austria and Montenegro also maintain excellent bilateral relations. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Montenegro offered rapid assistance in bringing Austrian citizens home without red tape. In exchange, Austria took in Montenegrin COVID patients who required intensive care, and played a leading role in delivering Pfizer vaccines to the Western Balkan states. There is also close collaboration in the military sector. Among other things, Austria supports Montenegro with its mountain warfare training.

Furthermore, Foreign Minister Schallenberg asked questions about energy security in Montenegro, its domestic political situation, and the implementation of reforms. Joining the EU will require further efforts in the areas of freedom of expression and freedom of the media, and in fighting corruption and organised crime.