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The lessons of the Covid crisis and the chances of EU membership for the Western Balkan countries were the central themes of a meeting of the parliamentary presidents of Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic at Grafenegg Castle.
The President of the National Council, Wolfgang Sobotka, met with his counterparts Boris Kollár (Slovakia) and Radek Vondráček (Czech Republic). The debate event was moderated by Balkan expert Paul Lendvai. Hungary’s announcement, which surprised everyone, that it would close its borders on September 1 caused little enthusiasm. Sobotka: “Times of crisis also show how to deal with the neighborhood.”
What defines Europe is the free movement of goods and people. It is important to continue like this. Kollár emphasized: “The closest neighbors must work together, not only in the economic area, but also in terms of information.”
In this context, he also highlighted the importance of some 80,000 Slovakian workers working in Austria in the social and welfare sector: “Austria does not depend on it, but Austria expects it.”
Sobotka: “Now we are better equipped”
Regarding a possible second crown wave, Kollár emphasized: “We know what to expect.” Sobotka also does not see a critical situation here: “Now we are better equipped and we have a better infrastructure.” Partial restrictions would be possible, but a second blockade could not support the economy. There are close links with neighboring countries, for example in the automobile supplier industry: “We will act in concert.”
A common characteristic of the three countries was also evident in the cooperation between the government and the opposition during the crisis: in the hot phase, there was a close alliance. The longer the crisis lasted, the more opinions differed. Sobotka emphasized here that cooperation between parliaments has always worked across borders.
Last but not least, Modarator Lendvai also addressed the problem areas of the EU budget and expansion to include the so-called Western Balkan countries. All three parliamentary presidents were largely satisfied with the current budget compromise proposal, and Wolfgang Sobotka and Boris Kollár added that it was essential to invest the funds efficiently, sensibly and in the long term.
When it comes to the enlargement of the EU, the presidents would like to transmit European values to the Western Balkans. Regarding the actual membership, Vondráček said: “The question is not yes or no, but when and I say: the sooner the better.” Sobotka added: “It is not only a question of speed, but also of quality.”
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