EU enlargement: Austria wants the Western Balkan countries to be integrated more quickly

Austria and four other member states are calling for the Western Balkan countries to be integrated into the EU single market on a sector-by-sector basis – even before they become full members. The incentive system is intended to accelerate reforms and reduce strategic dependencies.

13. May 2026
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger with her Slovak counterpart in Bratislava at the Meeting of the Friends of the Western Balkans (Imago / Anadolu Agency)

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Last updated: 13. May 2026