Austrian Minister for N1: Bosnia can start EU accession talks now, reforms can follow during the process”

Plakolm emphasised that Bosnia and Herzegovina can already begin negotiations on EU membership under its current Constitution, noting that the necessary reforms can be implemented throughout the accession process. She stressed that both sides, candidate countries and the EU, must deliver concrete results, warning that the Union risks losing credibility if enlargement promises remain unfulfilled.

The Austrian minister reaffirmed Austria’s strong support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemning secessionist rhetoric as dangerous and destabilising. She also called for a faster and more merit-based EU enlargement process, proposing the use of qualified majority voting to avoid political blockages caused by individual member states.

When asked about Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania, Plakolm underlined that each candidate country should be treated individually and based on its progress, highlighting Montenegro and Albania as positive regional examples.

Beyond politics, Plakolm spoke about Austria’s close economic and educational cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina, pointing to youth exchange and vocational training projects that help strengthen ties and keep young professionals in the region.

In addressing domestic Austrian issues, she defended recent measures such as the temporary suspension of family reunifications for asylum seekers, stricter integration requirements, and the ban on wearing hijab for girls under 14, explaining that these policies aim to support equal rights and educational opportunities for all children.

Finally, speaking about Austria’s hosting of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, Plakolm said cultural events should remain free from political influence and confirmed that Austria opposes the exclusion of Israel from the competition, stressing that music should serve to unite, not divide.