The fact that Austria ranks last in terms of citizens’ approval of the EU according to the Eurobarometer made them think, said European Minister Karoline Edtstadler (VP) in an interview with the Austria Press Agency. She sees one reason as being that people are tired of crises. In addition, many of the Union’s achievements have already become self-evident.
According to one of the most recent Eurobarometer surveys from autumn 2023, only 42 percent in Austria rate membership in the Union positively, 22 percent see it as something bad. This is the lowest and highest value among all 27 EU member states.
That’s why she wants to “drum” these things in 2024 and launch a pro-Europe campaign, announces Edtstadler. The fact that you can work anywhere in the EU, that you don’t pay roaming fees, that you no longer have to change money in most EU countries, that you don’t need a visa or a settlement permit – not enough people are aware of all of this.
Black-green concerns before the EU elections
In this context, Edtstadler is also committed to the prospect of accession for the countries of the Western Balkans. She refers to Montenegro, North Macedonia and Albania as “front runners”. Bosnia-Herzegovina is also making progress and deserves to open accession talks in March 2024. But the European Minister also wants to see Serbia in the EU, despite its authoritarian leadership.
Western Balkans a win
“It is of course a benefit if the Western Balkans are brought closer to the EU and its values.” The alternative would be to increase the influence of China, Russia or, for example, Saudi Arabia: “That’s why I think the process is absolutely necessary,” says Edtstadler.
As far as the accession prospects of Ukraine and Moldova are concerned, despite the EU’s recent accession negotiations, Edtstadler does not believe that these two states can be members of the Union within the next five to ten years. It is “out of the question” that a state at war like Ukraine might become a member, said Edtstadler.
Ukraine in particular, but also the “very ambitious” Moldova, still have “a lot of reforms” to implement, said the Europe Minister.
