Nepp: Serbia constantly conditioned; Kosovo in the EU only when a mutually acceptable solution is found

Dominik Nepp, the leader of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPO) in Vienna, stated that when it comes to the sincerity of the European Union regarding the accession perspective for Western Balkan countries, there is often an impression that double standards are applied in the accession process.

"It is evident that Serbia is constantly presented with new conditions during the accession negotiations, while other countries are privileged," Nepp said for Kosovo Online.

Regarding Kosovo's membership in the EU, he emphasized that it should only follow when the Kosovo issue is resolved in a satisfactory manner for both sides.

When asked about the future of the EU, considering that different factions formed during the crisis, Nepp pointed out that EU elites were waging a war against member states such as Hungary, adding that it was "scandalous" that the Austrian Minister for European Affairs, Karoline Edtstadler, supports the procedure for violating agreements against Hungary.

Asked whether the Union has the right to impose its policies on candidate countries, as it does with sanctions against Russia, Nepp responded that all candidates have the right to maintain their national sovereignty and not surrender to EU elites, just like Hungary.

He also mentioned that the citizens of Austria are dissatisfied with the government, which is why he believes that early elections are needed for the country to change course.

"According to surveys, only 22 percent of citizens are satisfied with the work of the Austrian government. This is not surprising. There is no effective measure to relieve citizens in order to help against rising prices," Nepp said.

Therefore, he believes that early elections should be called at the federal level, and the course should be changed with Chancellor Herbert Kickl of the Freedom Party.

The goal of the FPO is to win first place in the parliamentary elections in the autumn of 2024.

"This goal is realistic because the FPO is the only party in Austria that pursues responsible, future-oriented politics," Nepp said.

He added that the FPO had managed to restore its reputation in Vienna as well.

"In the previous elections in Vienna in 2020, we faced challenging conditions with the former leader as a rival candidate, and a tarnished image due to the 'Ibiza affair' and the COVID-19 crisis. Now we have tripled our results, and in surveys, we are at 20 percent. In Vienna, Mayor Michael Ludwig, from the ranks of the SPO, is making life difficult for citizens without compassion. In Vienna, a policy guided by the heart is urgently needed, and that is only possible with the FPO," Nepp concluded.