Paneuropa Welcomes Reopening of Internal European Borders
A correct step towards normality following restrictions – business and industry require freedom to flourish.
The Paneuropa Movement Austria reacts with joy to the news that today, Thursday, Austria’s borders with neighbouring countries (except Italy) are being reopened. “Following the restrictions necessitated by the pandemic, we are returning somewhat to what should be normality: that European citizens can travel within the EU without checks and without quarantine,” emphasises Paneuropa Youth Chairman Philipp Jauernik. “Now that infection rates are encouragingly low, it is sensible and right to make Europe’s role as a zone of freedom, security, and justice visible once again. The restrictions were necessary; the reopening is correct. Freedom of movement is a fundamental right, for the maintenance of which we also require strong external border protection.”
Undoubtedly, it can be appropriate to take emergency measures in a crisis situation. The Covid-19 pandemic was certainly such a case, where the aim was to protect people’s lives and health. “However, an emergency measure is only ever sensible for a clearly defined period of time and, in order to be in harmony with fundamental rights and freedoms, must be lifted again when it is no longer required,” analyses Stefan Haböck, Paneuropa Officer for International Affairs. “It is clear and correct that a cautious approach had to be taken in the current situation. However, the crisis has also shown what the isolation of states in a united Europe actually means in real everyday life. One can only hope that the citizens of Europe are now more aware of the value of fundamental European freedoms once again.”
Regarding the management of the economic consequences of the corona pandemic, Rainhard Kloucek, Secretary General of the Paneuropa Movement Austria, warns against a relapse into interventionist concepts. “Entrepreneurial freedom is the best recipe for a new upswing. In this regard, politics sets the framework, creates legal certainty, and keeps the creation and preservation of jobs in mind.”
For Kloucek, this also includes a re-industrialisation of Europe, making it attractive for companies to produce at European locations once again. Sustainable growth and the creation of jobs are priority challenges for Europe right now. The answers lie in a commitment to free trade, the completion of the single market, and a mechanism that checks all regulations for their impact on the competitiveness of the location. “EU requirements in the areas of energy, climate, and raw materials must be compatible with growth right now, guarantee security of supply, and promote innovation,” says Kloucek.
