Interim Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) met with President of the EU Parliament Roberta Metsola on Monday during his inaugural visit to Brussels. In view of EU skepticism from FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl and a looming blue-black federal government, Schallenberg assured: “Austria is and will remain a reliable and strong partner in Europe and the world!”
The EU Parliament “continues to count on Austria as a reliable partner,” Metsola emphasized after the exchange on X.
Kickl is causing concern in Brussels
“On the occasion of Austria’s 30th anniversary of EU membership, we talked about how the EU can continue to be the answer to people’s concerns in the future,” Metsola explains. The start of coalition negotiations between the traditionally EU-critical FPÖ and the ÖVP and a possible Chancellor Herbert Kickl had caused concern in many EU capitals.
“Start your term consciously with Brussels”
“I consciously start my term of office with a trip to Brussels,” Schallenberg emphasized on Monday on X. “My message is clear: Austria is and will remain a reliable and strong partner in Europe and the world,” he confirmed.
“We will remain actively involved at European and international level. Especially in these challenging times, it is essential to find common solutions and strengthen Europe’s capacity to act. “You can continue to fully rely on Austria when it comes to foreign and security policy,” the interim chancellor said before his inaugural visit.
Schallenberg had already spoken by telephone with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Saturday. The President of the Commission is currently still working from home due to her illness. According to the European Commission, she should appear in public again at the end of this week.
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.
