Schallenberg in Brussels: Austria's role in the EU in jeopardy!

Schallenberg in Brussels: Austria's role in the EU in jeopardy!

Austria's new interim head of government Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) traveled to European capitals on Monday to convey the message at his first official appearance in Brussels: "Austria is and remains a reliable and strong partner in Europe and the world!" Schallenberg emphasized this in meetings with important EU politicians, including the President of the EU Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and the EU Foreign Affairs Representative Kaja Kallas. The trip came amid growing concerns about Austria's future political direction and the influence of Herbert Kickl, the potential new chancellor and leader of the FPÖ, known for Eurosceptic and anti-migrant positions, such as the Augsburger Allgemeine reported.

During his talks, Schallenberg assured that the ÖVP would continue to play an active role at European and international levels under his leadership. These clear statements are particularly significant as many fear that a coalition with Kickl, known for his extreme views, could strain Austria's relations with the European Union. Schallenberg particularly wanted to reassure worried voices in Brussels that Austria would remain stable and responsible, even if the FPÖ might gain more influence. There is also a risk that Austria, under the leadership of a right-wing government, could join the “club of troublemakers”, which could have serious consequences for EU policy Today.at reported.

In the context of these political upheavals, Schallenberg made it clear that the EU and its rules-based international order are indispensable to ensure security and prosperity. The concerns of many diplomats that a possible new coalition under Kickl could destabilize EU politics are still loud. The FPÖ could make negotiations and decision-making at the European level significantly more difficult, especially considering that Austria's EU membership and relations with other member states could come under scrutiny in the future. In particular, the threatened division of the Union when dealing with important geopolitical challenges, such as the relationship with Russia and Ukraine, requires a unified voice, which could be jeopardized by internal political conflicts.