Austria’s leader has vowed to declare a crackdown on migrants as his nation prepares to take the helm of the European Union’s presidency.
Sebastian Kurz’s right-wing government has chosen the slogan ‘A Europe that protects’ as it takes over the rotating position which passes between difference EU states.
The presidency will give Austria the chance to chair meetings and set agendas as the bloc tries to handle the continuing migrants crisis, management of its borders and other issues such as Brexit.
(From left to right) Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, President of the European Council Donald Tusk, and Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov pose with an European flag during a kick off event for the Austrian EU Presidency on the Mount Planai, in Austria
Donald Tusk (left) and Sebastian Kurz (right) shake hands as they post for the inaugural event due to the Austrian presidency of the European Union in Schladming, Austria today
In recent weeks, both Spain and Malta refused to allow a rescue ship carrying hundreds of migrants to dock on its shore. Eventually, Spain offered the boat a safe port.
The divisions among the EU states on migration is beginning to bubble over, as Angela Merkel was given an ultimatum from her hardline coalition partners to find a Europe-wide solution to the migrant crisis – or risk seeing her government fall apart.
But the 63-year-old emerged this morning after nine hours of ‘toxic’ negotiations to reveal a ‘joint text’ which included moves to stop migrants registered in Italy and other EU countries from moving on to Germany.
She said that Greece and Spain had now agreed to take back in future migrants previously registered in those countries who are picked up at the German-Austrian border. This arrangement does not include Italy, it has emerged.
Exhausted leaders also thrashed out pledges to strengthen external borders and create ‘controlled centres’ inside the EU on a voluntary basis. Refugees in these centres would be relocated within the bloc if eligible for asylum or returned to their country in the event of a failed application.
Austria’s government, in alliance with the far-right FPO party, has called for more restrictive EU policy, including increased protection of the bloc’s external borders.
The country’s presidency also calls for more ‘security’ on its website, stating that tighter borders will help in the ‘fight against illegal immigration’.
Bulgaria had the previous rotating EU presidency, which has now been awared to Austria
It is unlikely Austria will be able to resolve the standoff, as Vienna supports the Visegrad countries of Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia which reject Brussels’ proposal to allocate asylum seekers in times of crisis.
Along with migration, which is at the top of Austria’s list of priorities, Kurz’s government will oversee budget negotiations and hope to enlarge the EU through Western Balkans nations.
‘This region is part of Europe in terms of economic policy and security and has proved a reliable partner during the migration crisis,’ Vienna said stressing the importance of ‘stability’.
Macedonia and Albania could begin talks to join the EU next June after member states agreed to the move on Tuesday – on the basis certain conditions had been met.
New border patrol police unit called Puma as well as performers take part in the exercise ‘ProBorders’ at the Spielfeld border crossing in Austria on June 26, 2018
Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov (R) hugs President of the European Council Donald Tusk (L) next to Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz