2023-11-21 21:31:13
ÖVP foreign policy spokesman welcomes increase in the budget for foreign policy affairs by 6.6 percent to 677.2 million euros
Vienna (OTS) – “The Austrian Foreign Ministry represents our republic and also Europe around the world,” said ÖVP foreign policy spokesman Reinhold Lopatka during today’s plenary debate on the budget for foreign policy affairs. Particularly due to the ever-growing challenges, it is to be welcomed that the funds will be increased by 6.6 percent to 677.2 million euros in 2024. Given the overall budget and the tasks to be completed, this is “a rather small proportion, which is why the achievements of the employees worldwide deserve even more recognition.” It is clear that “every cent, every euro in the Foreign Ministry is well spent.”
“The first and perhaps most important task of the department is to represent Austria’s interests in Europe and the world – this is ensured by our network of over 100 representative authorities, which is now being expanded to include an embassy in Ghana,” said Lopatka. This is also an important foreign policy signal on the fastest growing continent of Africa. Furthermore, the ministry is strengthening Austria as the official seat of international organizations, which represents another essential obligation. “After all, our country is the headquarters of the United Nations and a total of 40 international organizations. These are not only important for the positioning of Vienna as an official headquarters and event location, but also ensure added value and jobs,” the ÖVP mandate continues. The Foreign Ministry is also available to help and support Austrians worldwide, “wherever they may be stranded or need help.” Lopatka adds: “The fourth core task of the department headed by Federal Minister Alexander Schallenberg is to make a contribution and focus on international poverty reduction and disaster relief.” In 2024, around 80 million euros would be available through the foreign disaster fund and 139.1 million euros for development cooperation.
“The challenges that Austria and Europe have to face will not become smaller. Foreign Minister Schallenberg rightly speaks of a ‘Ring of Fire’, a ring of trouble spots that surrounds the EU,” says Lopatka, referring to the Russian war of aggression once morest Ukraine, the suppression of the opposition in Belarus or the despicable Hamas terror once morest Israel and its people. The ÖVP foreign policy spokesman concluded: “Sustainable solutions are required for which dialogue and negotiation are crucial. We are aware that Vienna, with the 120 bilateral and 197 multilateral representations housed here, is a center of dialogue and international diplomacy. Austria as UN headquarters and Austrian foreign policy make a valuable contribution to improving the coexistence of the eight billion people on our planet. And we will continue to do so in the future.” (Ending)
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