Memory of Villach: Austria's reaction to the terrorist attack

Memory of Villach: Austria's reaction to the terrorist attack

In the middle of the mourning for the attack in Villach, the MPs of the National Council took the opportunity to reflect in a minute's commemoration during today's meeting. European Minister Karoline Edtstadler expressed her dismay about the Islamist attack that shaken the country. "We are all deeply affected," said Edtstadler. It encouraged to draw strength out of this grief and to stand by the common values. Edtstadler, who even experienced the horrors of the Ukraine war up close, recalled her visit to Kiev in November 2022 and the fear that accompanied her delegation. "Only when you enter the country and see what war means can you understand what is happening there," she said. During her visit, the group had to look for refuge in a bunker, while the Ukraine suffered from severe air strikes.

Ukraine and the unity of Europe

With regard to the EU accession efforts in Ukraine, Edtstadler stated that the application for accession was a right of every European state. Nevertheless, she demands patience because the criteria for accession are complex. "We have to give Ukraine perspectives to further approach European values," she said, emphasizing that quick solutions such as an accelerated accession to the EU Association were not in sight. "Our goal is peace and a return to negotiations, not to weapon," emphasized Edtstadler. The European Minister warns that Europe is not only a political Union, but also a peace union, and sees the urgent need to realize this claim in the current crisis situation, such as bundeskanzleramt.gv.at reported.