Lopatka: I hope that the elections in Serbia will contribute to peace and a new beginning in dialogue

The Member of the Austrian People's Party (OVP), Reinhold Lopatka, expressed hope that the held extraordinary parliamentary elections in Serbia would contribute to a new beginning in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and the preservation of peace.

Lopatka stated for Kosovo Online that the European Union must provide a sincere perspective of EU membership to the Western Balkans, but the region must also achieve visible progress.

"This applies to all Western Balkan countries, but especially to Serbia, which faces the challenge of dialogue, which must continue with an honest approach from both sides", he emphasized.

Lopatka stated that the process of normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo had endured several severe setbacks and expressed hope that the elections would contribute to a new beginning and peace.

When asked whether the EU was capable of convincing Pristina to engage in sincere dialogue, he responded that the Union was indeed committed to it because success was essential for the EU as well.

"If progress is made, it is primarily beneficial for the citizens of Serbia and Kosovo, but also for the EU. We should not engage in blaming each other but rather invest additional efforts. It would be a shame if the Western Balkans missed the opportunity to join the EU due to the failure to fulfill domestic tasks", the Austrian politician said, who led the short-term observation mission of the OSCE in the Serbian elections.

Regarding whether the agreements reached in the dialogue must be respected by the Kosovo side, he publicly stated that if something was agreed upon, it applied to both sides.

"If an agreement is reached, it must be implemented. When contracts are made, they must be respected, as even the ancient Romans used to say. Otherwise, progress is not possible", Lopatka concluded.

Asked whether he expected the enlargement process to remain a priority for the European Commission after the European Parliament elections, he stated that the Union project was incomplete without the Western Balkans.

"A lot of time has passed since the last country was admitted to the EU. A decade has passed since Croatia's accession. I hope that it won't be limited to Croatia having an EU member as its only neighbor to the north", Lopatka emphasized.

He highlighted that Serbia was a very important partner for Austria, both economically and in terms of interpersonal relationships.

"Numerous Serbs live in Vienna and other parts of Austria. We are not far apart, and of course, we will have even closer ties when Serbia becomes a part of the EU", he stressed.

Lopatka emphasized that the Western Balkans was important to Austria for many reasons, not only economically but also in terms of security.

"The more stable the countries of the Western Balkans are, the greater the security for Austria. Without the assistance of these countries, we cannot address the issue of migration", Lopatka concluded.