2023-07-06 04:48:18
In the asylum compromise of the EU interior ministers, previous burdens are “recognized, if you will, taken into account”. This is what Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) said in the APA summer talks when asked whether Austria would be willing to accept new migrants or make compensation payments in accordance with the asylum compromise. Edtstadler also called for rapid action in the Western Balkans. “The European Union cannot afford any more conflicts on European soil.”
“We already have a lot of asylum applications to deal with,” Edtstadler referred to the 100,000 asylum applications in Austria last year. It is important that the interior ministers’ proposal “takes into account the previous burden and that Austria does not have to accept any additional migrants”. The fact that Poland and Hungary did not want to support the compromise at the EU summit “does not detract from the process being initiated by the interior ministers,” she explained. This decision, which was made by a qualified majority of the interior ministers, should also be “accepted” by those countries that did not vote. It is now important that the negotiations of the trilogue with the EU Commission and the EU Parliament on a final regulation proceed quickly.
Edtstadler described the riots in France after the death of a young person with a migration background as an alarm signal. “The highly dramatic situation must also be alarming for other countries. It shows what happens when you expect too much of a country in terms of migration.” In France, “too much has been marginalized,” said the minister, referring to the suburbs of large cities. “If you want to integrate, it’s only possible up to a certain number of people. This is exactly the reason why we have such a clear stance on migration.”
The accident of a refugee boat off the Greek coast in mid-June was “a true tragedy”. Edtstadler does not want to share calls for EU infringement proceedings in the event that the Greek coast guard is complicit in the death of allegedly hundreds of migrants. “To blame for such a situation are people who lure people onto boats that are not seaworthy, who pull thousands of euros out of their pockets for a crossing in a supposed hope that in most cases will not be confirmed.”
She has full confidence in the Greek government that they will clarify the cause of the accident – as well as the allegations of pushbacks. Pushbacks on the German-Austrian border, as NGOs have accused the German authorities of, Edtstadler meanwhile “can’t imagine with the best will in the world”.
In view of the situation in the EU candidate countries in the Western Balkans, Edtstadler spoke out in favor of rapid action by the EU. “The European Union cannot afford any further conflicts on European soil and that is why we must act now,” emphasized Edtstadler to the APA. She is very concerned about the tensions in the region. The EU should “make sure that this doesn’t escalate”.
The EU must show its presence, give support and make it clear to the states that they are welcome in the EU. An exchange at official level, for example in the judiciary and in the fight against corruption, is important. Edtstadler expects the progress reports for all candidate countries including Ukraine in September.
With regard to Ukraine, she again emphasized that there are no shortcuts in the enlargement process. The EU is preparing for enlargement. Europe will have to “rethink” many things, such as the current cohesion and agricultural policy in view of the large agricultural sectors in countries such as Ukraine and Albania. “Changes take time, so it’s high time to tackle it now.”
Edtstadler also confirmed that he wanted to work with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at EU level. “We simply have to join forces in the European context,” explained Edtstadler. “We should bring in those who think pro-European,” emphasized Edtstadler and sees this as given at Meloni. Other forces, such as the party of the French right-wing populist Marine “We would not invite Le Pen to the EPP family.”
In connection with the EU elections in June 2024, Edtstadler confirmed that he did not want to run for the European Parliament. But she will get involved in the EU election campaign. When asked about the position as EU Commissioner, Edtstadler replied: “My heart beats for Europe.”
(The interview was conducted by Alexandra Demcisin/APA)
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