"The countries of the Balkans undeniably belong to Europe politically and geographically. The opinion of those who believe that the EU enlargement should be stopped is unacceptable. The enlargement must continue, and new countries must be given a chance to join the European family of nations," Plassnik said in an Austrian television (ORF) programme on Sunday.
A recent opinion survey has shown that 70 per cent of Austrians support Croatia's EU membership bid. By comparison, Bulgaria received the support of 39 per cent of the respondents, Romania 34 per cent and Turkey 20 per cent.
Austria takes over the EU rotating presidency in the first half of 2006.