Austria has opposed the start of negotiations with Ukraine regarding its accession to the European Union because "Kyiv should not receive privileges that Bosnia and Herzegovina do not have."

This information was reported by the press service of the Austrian parliament.

The Federal Chancellor of Austria, Karl Nehammer, stated that his country "will not agree to negotiations on accession with Ukraine under current conditions."

According to him, "there should be no preferences for Ukraine compared to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is also currently in accession negotiations."

Nehammer believes that Ukraine and Moldova should be offered the prospect of EU accession "as a sign of solidarity," but he is against an accelerated procedure.

As the Chancellor explained, in general, Austria adheres to EU policy when it comes to showing solidarity with Ukraine without violating neutrality.