Meinl-Reisinger is calling for strong EU course for peace in Ukraine and Syria

Meinl-Reisinger is calling for strong EU course for peace in Ukraine and Syria

Österreich - On April 2, 2025, the first working session of the National Council's foreign policy committee took place after the government formation. In this context, Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger discussed important foreign policy issues, with the focus on the war in Ukraine and the humanitarian situation in Syria. According to OTS , Meinl-Reisinger hopes for a strong, uniform voice of the EU in these conflicts and emphasizes the need to exchange ideas with the parliament. Before the session, she spoke to the foreign policy speakers of the parties to discuss the coordinated approach.

Meinl-Reisinger sees responsibility for progress in the peace process in Ukraine near Russia and demands that Europe are involved. She described the "Alliance of the Willing" as a positive thrust for the peace efforts. In view of the geopolitical development, the Austrian government plans to receive 2 million euros from Ukraine grain to support North African states.

Humanitarian aid for Syria

Austria's commitment to humanitarian aid for Syria is also important. The government provided a total of almost 28 million euros for humanitarian aid in 2024, of which 2.8 million euros go specifically to the UN refugee high-commissariat (UNHCR). These funds are to be used directly in Syria, as reported by the . Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg emphasized the urgency of this support to prevent further migration movements to Europe.

The humanitarian crisis in Syria has further intensified after the Assad regime falls. According to bmeia strives to create perspectives for the return of people to their homeland. In this context, Schallenberg warned of the risk of a "Libya 2.0" that could potentially endanger the migration situation and security in Europe.

View of the Middle East and the West Balkans

In addition, Meinl-Reisinger expressed concern about the situation in the Middle East, especially with regard to the forced relocation of Palestinians: inside. She called for a strict compliance with international law and emphasized the need to disarm the Hamas. Austria will continue to act as a reliable partner in the Western Balkans and campaign against secessionist efforts.

Austria's candidacy for a seat in the UN Security Council was also addressed. Meinl-Reisinger appealed to the MPs to promote the topic internationally and thus underline the country's commitment in armaments control and the protection of civilians: inside. The developments in Turkey and the rapprochement between the EU and Great Britain regarding Ukraine were rated as positive, as well as the peace treaty between the Armenia and Azerbaijan, whose soon signing is not expected.