Austrian MEP Lukas Mandl has accused the leadership in Serbia of behaving aggressively in the Western Balkan region, refusing to acknowledge the past. Mandl emphasized that Serbia could be an economic engine in the region and contribute positively, but the institutional leadership there is failing to do so. During his speech at the conference of the Universal Peace Federation, discussing “Peace, Stability, and Demographic Transition in the Western Balkans,” the Austrian politician stated that the progress of the region can only be achieved through cooperation, not conflict.
“Serbia could be like Germany in the Western Balkans, as an economic engine. Serbia could contribute to the advancement of its people and then the region. Many people in Serbia do this, but the leadership in Serbia is not doing so. They are behaving aggressively, not acknowledging the past,” he said.
Mandl deemed the implementation of reforms across the six Western Balkan countries as a prerequisite for strategic investments and European integration.
“In the region, cooperation should be prioritized over confrontation, cooperation more than conflict. This should be the main goal in the Western Balkans… Investments are necessary, less bureaucracy, more opportunities, and rule of law. I know that the chances for investments will be greater in Kosovo and the region. The education and healthcare systems are essential for proper development. Reforms are necessary for all the states in the Western Balkans,” said MEP Lukas Mandl.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti also spoke at this conference, stating that Kosovo is growing as a leader in economic and democratic progress in the region, with a promising trajectory for the present and future.
Former Albanian President Alfred Moisiu, who was also present, mentioned the attack on September 24 in Banjska, where police officer Afrim Bunjaku was killed. He emphasized that this attack was organized directly by Belgrade.
