2023-06-13 17:00:06
Western Balkans policy dominates conversation with National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka
Vienna (PK) – During his first bilateral visit to Vienna, Slovenia’s Prime Minister Robert Golob met the President of the National Council, Wolfgang Sobotka, in Parliament. The good political and economic relations between Austria and Slovenia as well as the largely shared views of both countries regarding the war in Ukraine and European Western Balkans policy were discussed. Sobotka and Golob also took the opportunity to raise more sensitive issues, such as the situation of the German-speaking minority in Slovenia and the issue of border controls.
Exchange on foreign and security policy issues
National Council President Sobotka emphasized Austria’s traditionally good relations with its neighboring country, which also extended to the parliamentary level. Such meetings are held at least twice a year. According to Sobotka, the EU rapprochement of the Western Balkan countries and the stability in the region are of particular importance in the common interests of Austria and Slovenia. Prime Minister Golob confirmed this finding and described both countries as “natural allies” on this issue. It is important to bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU “step by step”, for which political awareness within Europe has grown once more since the war in Ukraine. Sobotka and Golob agreed that the EU must demonstrate unity in supporting Ukraine, particularly on the issue of war.
A unified approach must also be the goal in combating irregular migration, explained Golob and addressed the Austrian border protection measures at the Slovenian border. Sobotka understood Slovenia’s concerns regarding the resulting economic obstacles. However, he emphasized the importance of functioning border protection for internal security and also referred to the political polarization that uncontrolled immigration entails.
When asked by Sobotka regarding the situation of the German-speaking minority in Slovenia, Golob referred to cultural policy initiatives and budget increases for their support. Both the German speakers in Slovenia and the Slovenian minority in Austria should see bilingualism as an opportunity, both agreed unanimously. (close) wit
A NOTICE: Photos from this visit can be found in the Parliament web portal.
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