On Europe Day, the ÖVP, SPÖ, Greens and NEOS expressed their support for the further development and strengthening of the EU with different priorities. “Austria will continue to contribute to the positive development of the successful and peace project EU,” ÖVP chancellor Karl Nehammer stressed in a broadcast. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, traveled to Kiev to mark the day (see video above).
If necessary, Austria will “relentlessly point out undesirable developments”, the Chancellor added. “Especially in the fight against illegal migration, the EU institutions must speed up,” Nehammer said in a joint statement with Edtstadler and ÖVP delegation leader Angelika Winzig.
“All those challenges that can be better tackled in the Member States must remain a national responsibility. More subsidiarity leads to a stronger Europe. True to the motto ‘United in diversity’”, emphasized Nehammer.
Edtstadler: “Standing together as Europe”
It is important “to do everything possible to defend European values, to secure our prosperity and to use the changes that are underway to develop the EU further”, said Edtstadler. Winzig stressed that Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine had clearly shown the importance of “standing together as European families and defending our values”.
Rendi-Wagner: Fighting for EU values ”every day”.
SPÖ leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner, on the other hand, called for a strong, effective and social EU. “Strengthening and preserving democracy, the rule of law and European values is the foundation of the EU, for which we must fight every day,” stressed Monika Vana, head of the Green Party delegation to the European Parliament. Only a common EU army can protect Europe, said NEOS MEP Claudia Gamon.
Leitl: Selfishness “Can’t Solve Problems”
“Europe must better arm itself against the ever-increasing competition in the global economy,” demanded Mariana Kühnel, deputy secretary general of the WKÖ. The president of the European Movement Austria (EBÖ), Christoph Leitl, called on the government to make an active and constructive contribution to the further development of the EU.
“National selfishness and populism cannot solve people’s problems,” says Leitl. Europe should not be seen as a fortress, it should be seen as an open society, he demanded.
Von der Leyen with an “important symbol” in Kiev
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has now arrived in Kiev for a visit on the occasion of Europe Day. The top German politician wants to celebrate Europe Day in the Ukrainian capital together with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “My presence in Kiev today, May 9, is an important symbol,” she said after her arrival. The talks would include ammunition supplies for the defensive war against Russia.
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.
