Minister Hoxha asks for support from Austria for concretizing the integration process

Vienna, 30 January 2018 – During the international conference Com-sult, with the motto Go West – Western Balkans!, which is being held in Vienna under the auspices of Prime Minister Kurz, the Minister of European Integration, Dhurata Hoxha, met the Minister of Innovation and Infrastructure, Norbert Hofer, and the Secretary-General of the Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs, Michael Linhart, with whom she discussed the challenges of the Republic of Kosovo with regard to integration, as she sought support for the integration process, especially during the second part of the year when Austria takes over the Presidency of the EU Council and may support Kosovo even more.

Minister Hoxha said “Austria was, and still is, a strong supporter of Kosovo during the historical processes it went through”, considering the Austrian state’s friendship as a great value and also stating “we expect further support from Austria in the interests of Kosovo citizens”.

“Knowing you have constantly supported us, we expect your further support to the process of integration of Kosovo and of the Western Balkans within the European Union, with a clear and precise agenda, especially during the Presidency of Austria”, said Minister Hoxha, while asking Austrian officials to provide their support regarding visa liberalization for Kosovo in order for the citizens of Kosovo to be equal with other citizens of the Balkans.

On the other hand, the Secretary-General and the Minister stressed that Austria considers Kosovo as part of the Western Balkans in terms of the integration process and enlargement plans of the European Union, stressing that their country will be committed to further contribute to the steps necessary for the implementation of the EU Strategy in the Balkan countries. Senior Austrian officials asked Kosovo to advance in the reform process and to ratify the agreement on demarcation with Montenegro.

Last modified: August 9, 2022