After almost four months in office, Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) makes his first bilateral journey abroad as head of the government. Stocker travels to the German capital Berlin. There he will meet his German counterpart Friedrich Merz on Friday and especially talk about security and migration policy.
Both heads of government are still relative newcomers in their position: Merz started on 6 May, Stocker on March 3 this year. However, it is already the second personal meeting between the two conservative politicians. When the first meeting last April on the sidelines of the monastery of the European People Party (EPP) in Valencia, Merz was not yet a chancellor.
During his inaugural visit to Berlin, Stocker is welcomed with military honor during lunch. A confidential four-eye conversation follows in the office of the host. The subjects are probably primarily about combating illegal migration and the foreign limit of the EU. In the European asylum and migration policy, Merz will discuss his proposal to coordinate the asylum procedure directly on the borders in a network with EU partners.
Want to discuss the location in the Middle East
In addition to this focus, it should also be about the situation in the middle. The two heads of government agree on the attitude towards Israel. Both Austria and Germany are against suspending the association agreement between the EU and Israel.
On the other hand, Stocker finds it essential to keep conversation channels open, especially in difficult situations. Stocker is expected to report from his telephone conversation, which he led to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday and in which he had tackled the humanitarian situation in Gaza. According to the Austrian view, the civilian population in Gaza is not allowed to pay the price for Hamas terror, said it in the federal chancellery.
Merz will probably also inform Stocker about his recent contacts, including the conversations with President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, Greek Prime Minister Kyriako’s Mitsotakis and Denmark -Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Other security issues concern the war of Russia in Ukraine and other security policy issues in Europe. Merz recently emphasized an increased willingness to defend together and closer cooperation within the EU.
Permanent topic burner throughput
The permanent topic of burner transit must also be discussed. A solution for the suffering population in Tyrol will only be found if Austria, Germany and Italy worked closely, was said in Vienna before he visited Berlin. Stocker participated in the European Council in Brussels on Thursday. On Friday morning, Stocker flies directly to the German capital from Brussels.
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.
