The outgoing representative of the European Commission in Vienna, Martin Selmayr, takes stock of his more than four years of work in the Austrian capital, together with the “Krone”. And why he is optimistic about the future of the EU.
Four years and three months in Austria left their mark on German-born Martin Selmayr. “I recently gave a lecture at the University of Passau,” the outgoing representative of the EU Commission in Vienna tells “Krone,” “and I was asked to use a lot of Austrian terms.” Which is his favorite? The word “Eh,” said Selmayr. Because it has many shades and ‘can mean anything’, or ‘I know the way’. Selmayr: “That could actually mean: I understand. Or: leave me alone.” Selmayr traveled through Austria by bicycle, train and on foot. “You get to know the country in a completely different way.”
Today, Selmayr still devotes himself to the leadership of Ukraine in Brussels. The EU wants to release 50 billion euros for Ukraine. Not as military aid, but for pensions, nurses or teachers. “The population is suffering from the Russian attacks, but they are holding out. And I believe that it is our duty and responsibility, morally but also politically, to support Ukraine as much as possible in this defensive struggle,” said Selmayr, who gives today’s summit a similar priority to that of December, when it was decided to a concrete accession perspective for Ukraine.
A positive signal for the Commission representative: a total of ten countries are currently applying for membership of the EU. “If enlargement is done correctly, the EU will become increasingly stronger,” says Selmayr.
Don’t be afraid of Orbán
Hungarian autocrat Viktor Orban is still seen as the bone of contention on these issues. It is feared that he will try to blackmail again. Orban made his approval of the 50 billion euro aid package conditional on Brussels releasing funding for Hungary. The EU has so far blocked billions of these funds from the country due to inadequate rule of law. Selmayr does not share this concern: “Viktor Orban is a smart head of government. I am sure that this week we will find a solution involving all Member States.”
Selmayr will stay in Austria until autumn. As a visiting professor at the law faculty. Then he ends up in another European capital. But: “I will always see Austria as part of my home country.”
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.
