Austria: Ukraine Cannot Join the EU Before the Balkan Countries

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg confirmed that "EU leaders should not give preference to Ukraine over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the decision to start EU membership negotiations." In an interview with the Financial Times, Schallenberg stated: "EU leaders should not prioritize Ukraine over Western Balkan countries when making a decision on starting accession talks next month." He added: "The European Commission's view of the Western Balkans through a magnifying glass, and Ukraine through rose-colored glasses, would be a geostrategic disaster." He emphasized that "groups of countries should not be able to move on the highway while others are stuck on the service road." He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the positions of Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina within the EU orbit to "counter Russian influence."