Paneuropa to Federal Government: Utilise Austria’s European Role

Regarding European affairs, the programme of the Federal Government sworn in today certainly gives cause for optimism from the perspective of the Paneuropa Movement Austria. Of particular importance is the proclaimed commitment to a Europe of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, with strong protection of external borders and competitiveness.

“The commitment to a proactive multilateral EU trade policy and the deepening of bilateral and regional trade relations is particularly gratifying,” comments Stefan Haböck, International Officer of the Paneuropa Movement Austria. “Free trade brings gains in prosperity because it increases the number of traded products and lowers prices for consumers.”

“With Elisabeth Köstinger, Karoline Edtstadler, and Ulrike Lunacek, three former MEPs are now represented. If you include Werner Kogler, there are even four,” mentions Paneuropa Youth Chairman Philipp Jauernik. “This means the European Parliament has finally shed its former connotation and serves instead as a recruitment pool for political leaders. This can only be welcomed.”

Jauernik also finds the continued commitment to visa liberalisation for Kosovo, anchored in the programme, very positive. “Austria has supported Kosovo from the very beginning. It is right in every respect that this remains the case.”

Stefan Haböck welcomes the government’s concrete proposals for reforming the EU. “Whether it is the reduction of bureaucracy, the abolition of regulations that are no longer necessary, the merging of the European Parliament’s meeting venues, or a departure from the principle of unanimity in the Council on important issues: the spirit of reform is refreshing,” Haböck concludes.

c Featured image: Katharina Schiffl