In Croatia, which should join the Schengen area around the turn of the year, there is still excitement about a possible accession veto from Austria. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic therefore tried to calm domestic politics on Monday. Vienna is only concerned about illegal migration. Croatia is not the reason for the negative attitude, “but the increasing number of asylum seekers in Austria”, Plenkovic explains.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) had previously confirmed his rejection of the European Commission’s proposal to expand the Schengen area to include Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia. Since joining the EU in 2007 and 2013 respectively, the countries have been waiting to become part of the Schengen area. In addition, internal border controls will be abolished, while external borders will be tightened. Austria argues that this system does not work and refers to the high number of asylum seekers.
Plenkovic mentioned illegal migration, energy prices and inflation as important domestic political issues in Austria. “Austria’s next election is in 2024, but these issues certainly require the government to take a stand,” the head of ÖVP’s sister party HDZ added.
Nehammer travels to Zagreb
While he understands Vienna’s concerns, he expects support and understanding for what Croatia has done towards meeting the Schengen entry criteria. “I am confident that we will succeed in the end,” he said ahead of Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s visit to Zagreb on Wednesday.
Little understanding of the Croatian president
Croatian President Zoran Milanovic expressed himself more sharply. “The statements are alarming,” he said, referring to Interior Secretary Karner. Milanovic announced that during Nehammer’s visit to Zagreb he would speak with the Chancellor “and plead for our accession”. “That’s all I can do,” said the former Social Democratic head of government. Karner’s opposition to Schengen enlargement is in reality “a settlement between some EU members at the expense of Croatia”.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
