Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner emphasized Vienna’s push to expedite the EU accession process for the Western Balkans. Ensuring regional stability and safeguarding against external influences are top priorities, she stressed during her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Tanner highlighted the significance of the Western Balkans, especially Bosnia and Herzegovina, as vital partners for Austria in fostering stability, cooperation, and European integration within the region. This stance aligns with the upcoming EU-Western Balkans Summit on December 13.

Amid Brussels’ efforts to initiate accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, Tanner’s remarks underscore the EU’s conditional recommendation for starting talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina, contingent upon meeting the necessary alignment criteria.