Austria and four other member states are calling for the Western Balkan countries to be integrated into the EU single market on a sector-by-sector basis – even before they become full members. The incentive system is intended to accelerate reforms and reduce strategic dependencies.

13. May 2026

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger with her Slovak counterpart in Bratislava at the Meeting of the Friends of the Western Balkans (Imago / Anadolu Agency)

Last updated: 13. May 2026