Two-thirds of Austrians voted in favor of joining the EU in 1994. Today we are one of the most EU-skeptical countries in the Union. Why this is the case and what the Union has brought to the country were the topics of a discussion meeting between old politicians and young citizens.
Federal President Van der Bellen invited people to a dialogue on the occasion of 30 years of the EU referendum. Political personalities who played a leading role in EU accession were guests, including ex-chancellors Franz Vranitzky (SPÖ), Wolfgang Schüssel (ÖVP) and former ministers Ferdinand Lacina, Brigitte Ederer (both SPÖ) and Maria Rauch-Kallat ( ÖVP) and the first Austrian EU Commissioner Franz Fischler (ÖVP).
Election call from old politicians
The politicians took this opportunity to call on people to participate in the EU elections on June 9. Accession to the EU has led to a “great Austrian success story,” Van der Bellen emphasized. But this should not encourage us to “do nothing on soft pillows”. The EU elections are now the next opportunity to participate: “Make use of your right to vote,” the Federal President urged.
In a statement after the dialogue, Vranitzky praised the Union’s successes – for example in the economic, cultural and educational sectors. Schüssel emphasized their innovative strength. “Let us not rest on our laurels,” Vranitzky also said, “let us be aware that great tasks await us.” Schüssel spoke out in favor of expanding the EU, but its members then became more tolerant of each other.
A united Europe is not a given
Schüssel also said that “what is self-evident must be made more understandable” and made more aware. Austria can have a say in defending peace or fighting climate change, and young people would not know any different, Van der Bellen said. Europe seems obvious, but it is not, said student Marlene Forgber, who took part in the discussion and called for a vote. Because: “It is probably quite naive to believe that we could do everything to combat the climate crisis or Russia or China as an ‘eight million futzi country’ on our own.”
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.
