Austrian Minister Says Austria, EU to Stand By Young People in Serbia

Beate Meinl-Reisinger (Photo; PrintScreen YouTube)

Austrian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger said on May 3 that it was in Austria’s best interest, being part of the European Union, to keep Serbia and the Western Balkan countries on their path to the EU, and that she wished to send a clear message of support to younger generations for their commitment to European values and principles.

The minister underlined in an interview with the Danas newspaper that it was in Austria’s best interest as an EU member state not only to keep Serbia and the Western Balkan countries on the path toward the Union, but also to make sure that this path led to a credible, merit-based outcome. “It is also about sending a clear message to younger generations in Austria, Serbia, Germany, France, Bosnia, and elsewhere. Young people are looking for hope and real opportunities - in education, employment, and building a life of peace and stability. This is a vision I fully support,” she said.

The minister was interviewed by a Danas journalist at the end of her visit to Serbia on April 29, during which she met with, among others, Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric. When asked about student protests in Serbia, the Austrian minister said that during her discussions with her Serbian counterpart and representatives of civil society, she underscored that EU membership required a strong commitment to EU principles and values, including the rule of law, democracy, and freedom of speech.

When asked to respond to the Serbian opposition's concern that the EU is perceived as supporting President Aleksandar Vucic’s leadership and was avoiding to openly criticize it, the Austrian minister said that one of the goals of her visit was to show support for the people of Serbia and for all people in the region.