VIENNA/BRUSSELS—“A Europe that protects,” is the slogan chosen by Austria as the country took over Sunday the rotating six-month presidency of the European Union.
Austria’s conservative chancellor on Tuesday said that Germany’s debate over how to tackle irregular migration underlined the importance of strengthening the European Union’s external border.
“Securing the external border is the basis for securing internal mobility in the EU,” said Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in a speech he delivered on Tuesday to the European Parliament.
31-year-old Kurz, the leader of the Conservative party who was elected last year and formed a coalition with the far-right, is opposed to a greater European integration and one of the most vocal and active leaders for reducing the influx of migrants.
As well as migration, Chancellor Kurz’s government will have to oversee EU budget negotiations, make progress on the enlargement of the EU through the Western Balkans nations and on the negotiations for the so-called Brexit, the UK’s final stretch for its leave from the EU, scheduled for March 2019.
European Parliament President, Antonio Tajani Chancellor Kurz before he presented and discussed the new Austrian Council Presidency’s priorities to MEPs in the plenary.
After the meeting, Tajani stated:“The key test for the success of the Austrian Presidency will be its capacity to solve the main concern of European citizens: migration management. On behalf of the European Parliament, I call on the Austrian Presidency to do its utmost to unblock long-awaited asylum system and work closely with us to finalise it as soon as possible. There is no need to wait for those who never wanted to make progress in the first place. The Treaty is clear: if needed, the decision can be taken by qualified majority. I am confident that Chancellor Kurz will deliver on the presidency´s motto: a Europe that protects. A Europe able to provide effective action and more than just words.”
The EU presidency gives Austria the opportunity to chair meetings and set agendas.
Regarding Israel, Austria will chair the Foreign Affairs Council where the Middle East and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are discussed.
Kurz, who visited Israel last month, is considered to be a ‘’true friend’ of the Jewish State. During his visit, he made an unusual gesture for European leaders when he visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhau, Kurz vowed that his country would support Israel security needs in a ‘’tough neighborhood.’’
“ We want to support the State of Israel and also your security needs,’’ he said.
He added : ‘’You live in a dangerous neighborhood and your neighbors are not like ours – Liechtenstein or Switzerland. And so we understand the difference. But we understand that your situation is a different one and therefore we will try to raise awareness in Europe for the special situation and the special security needs of Israel.’’