In view of the energy crisis, Chancellery Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) advocates that people “fulfill personal responsibility with life”. You should use common sense and avoid unnecessary speed in the car or too low temperatures in the air conditioning. For reasons of climate protection alone, energy should not be used in a wasteful manner. At the same time, she urged European solidarity, especially in the southern countries.
Edtstadler recalled that solidarity is not a one-way street. Solidarity has often been shown with these states, which are now often less dependent on Russian gas, and they have received help, for example in winding up the reconstruction fund. It must be clear to everyone that nothing less than Europe as a location is at stake. The EU as a whole must also “finally get to work” when it comes to joint energy purchasing.
Edtstadler is more relaxed about Russian threats
The minister was quite undaunted by Russian threats, especially since the “no alternative” sanctions “will collapse the economy there”. She finds Ruler Vladimir Putin’s threatening gestures to divert the gas to other countries “less realistic” because there are fewer pipelines there. Nevertheless, Moscow will continue to use the gas as a means of pressure.
For Edtstadler, the counter-prescription is a diversification of sources. The “pragmatism of the German Greens” should be taken as an example in the expansion of renewable energy systems. Hydrogen is also an important future topic for the minister, as is liquefied gas.
“Fulfill personal responsibility with life”
In addition to the efforts of politicians to ensure an appropriate energy supply, she also sees a challenge for the people. Because she believes that in recent years there has been a “Yes mentality that politics controls everything”.
But one must now also fill personal responsibility with life. The previous generation had worked hard to achieve prosperity “and now we must ensure this for the future”. But Edtstadler does not want to panic the Austrians: “No one wants to imagine having to sit by the tiled stove at 19 degrees with three woolen sweaters. Hopefully we never have to experience that.”
Progress of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans
According to Edtstadler, it is also essential for a peaceful future in Europe to continue the enlargement of the EU in the Western Balkans. The long-awaited promises in the region must be fulfilled. “I have been warning for months that one match is enough to start a major fire.” As for Kosovo, the Serbian statements were reminiscent of war rhetoric. It is therefore important to continue the dialogue with all our might.
Although Belgrade and the Serb population have very clearly positioned themselves on the side of Russia lately, Edtstadler sees Serbia as a future member of the Union. The head of department, who is also responsible for European agendas in the Chancellery, reiterated that enlargement should be seen more as a gradual process. For example, anyone who positively concludes the chapter on the internal market in the accession negotiations should also be able to participate in the internal market. She also finds it logical that the candidate accession candidates could sit at the table in Brussels – albeit without the right to vote.
Candidate Status for Ukraine “Right”
Edtstadler believes that Ukraine’s candidate status is a “correct signal”. You have to cooperate with the countries and also make the dimension tangible for the population. However, based on the current situation of the Russian war of aggression, it is also clear to her that Ukraine can only become a full member after a 10-year process.
Source: Krone
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