Ode to Europe – Alpbach: VdB warns against populists & ‘strong man’

Van der Bellen made a true declaration of love for Europe, saying that Europe could be a “role model” that proved: “There is a way forward.” And this “in a time of unbridled nihilism and fatalism.”

The future of Europe
The Federal President did not see the future of Europe in the “path of extremes”. It is not the path of “ruthlessly exploitative capitalism,” nor is it “of blind nationalism that only looks back.” Instead, the head of state wished the continent’s future would be something like “educated, confident, compassionate, inclusive and feminist.”

He again condemned Britain’s departure from the European Union, saying that even a ‘dexit or öxit’ was ‘not only bad ideas, but also harmful and dangerous.’ This was just the ‘populist agenda’ who are ‘weakening the European Union’. community”. That’s why it’s important to work together.

VdB welcomes joining “Sky Shield”
The EU must now also consider how to counter attacks by a powerful foreign aggressor, he said, apparently referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. In this context, he justified his goodwill towards Austria’s entry into the European air defense system “Sky Shield”. Europe must be “taken seriously in the world”.

Van der Bellen opened the ‘Austria in Europe Days’ in the presence of Slovenian president Pirc Musar. He referred to the floods in Slovenia, where the “climate emergency” had become visible. The catastrophe could have been overcome by “European solidarity,” he said. Europeans would have helped ‘with their hands, and hopefully sooner rather than later, with money’.

Pirc Musar also appealed to European cohesion on climate change. “We need the European Union to lead the way. We need to step up our response to climate change – it is neither easy nor cheap.” Far-right parties would provide simple answers to complex problems – “we need a stronger Europe and more confidence,” Van der Bellen’s colleague replied.

Also VdB for EU enlargement of the Western Balkans
With regard to a possible enlargement of the EU to the Western Balkans, both Van der Bellen and Pirc Musar spoke out in favor of admitting the states. However, these states must first ask themselves whether they really want to join the EU, said the Slovenian president. “Sometimes I get the impression that they don’t want to, that they aren’t trying hard enough,” she says. Van der Bellen admitted that the entry requirements are now stricter than when Austria joined the EU. However, an EU enlargement of the Western Balkan states is important to avoid a “power vacuum”.