Stability a priority for Austria’s EU presidency

Speaking in an intereview to the European Western Balkans (EWB) portal, Lutterotti said that official Vienna wants to focus on three priorities: security and combatting illegal migrations, protecting European competitiveness and prosperity and maintaining a strong focus on the stability of south eastern Europe.

“I hope that there will be significant and concrete progress in the expansion process, especially in regard to Serbia. This is a topic which demands and deserves major political attention,” the ambassador said.

“Progress in the pre-accession negotiations (with the European Union) depend mainly on reforms in Serbia, especially so-called fundamental issues such as the rule of law. Austria will continue strongly supporting Serbia’s accession prospects,” Lutterotti said.

He said that the EU has to see visible progress in Serbia’s reform agenda. “This is about true and irreversible reforms in a state. If Serbia is on the right path to the EU its citizens will feel the effects of reform before accession,” the ambassador said.