Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) welcomed European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement of stricter laws on the repatriation of people entering the country illegally. Von der Leyen’s letter contains numerous demands from him, Nehammer said on Wednesday in Vienna in the parliament’s main committee before the EU summit. The chancellor expects a “substantial discussion” about migration from the summit.
Nehammer referred to the most recent discussion paper from Austria and the Netherlands, which calls for more effective deportations. “Through perseverance, Austria has contributed to a paradigm shift in the discussion,” Nehammer said. Further efforts are needed to revise the Return Directive, in cooperation with third countries and pilot partnerships.
Edtstadler calls for asylum procedures in third countries
European Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) said that Austria had long been placed in a corner of inhumane demands, “now we have entered the mainstream”. This is a great success for Nehammer. Asylum procedures are necessary in safe third countries. One of the biggest challenges in the coming weeks and months will be developing solutions that lead to a significant reduction in migration.
Stop attacks on blue helmets “without ifs and buts”.
Other important topics at the EU summit are the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and Europe’s competitiveness. Nehammer described Israel’s recent attacks on the UN force in Lebanon UNIFIL as unacceptable and called for their halt. Blue helmets, including Austrian soldiers, had to be protected “without ifs and buts”.
At the same time, Nehammer strongly condemned the attacks on Israel by Hezbollah and Iran. The conclusions of the summit are aimed at de-escalation. There is no ray of hope in the Gaza Strip; Hamas continues to refuse to accept the US plan for a ceasefire and the release of the Israeli hostages.
Russian attacks also “absolutely unacceptable”
Regarding Ukraine, the Chancellor said Russia was only trying to impose a solution on its own terms. Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure are “absolutely unacceptable.” In any case, we must continue to talk to Russia about whether Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin can end the war. Nehammer wants to continue involving BRICS countries such as India in peace efforts.
Source: Krone
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