On the occasion of the incoming Austrian Presidency of the EU, Sebastian KURZ, Austrian Chancellor, presents the incoming EU Council Presidency priorities, during the EP plenary session (15-18 January 2018) in Strasbourg.

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

KURZ, Sebastian (AT)

EU - Austria (T)

Austrian Presidency of the EU (T)

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Austrian Presidency: extracts from the speech by Sebastian KURZ, Austrian Chancellor

SOUNDBITE (German), Sebastian KURZ, Austrian Chancellor, The motto of our Presidency is 'A Europe that protects', and we want to focus on the various challenges which are mots topical. We want to secure prosperity in Europe, not only within our borders but also beyond. What this means in concrete terms is that we are planning to have three priorities centre stage. First of all, security and the fight against illegal migration, because protecting the European people has to be our top priority. That is why we need a paradigm shift in our migration policy. We need to focus more on the safeguarding of our external borders as the prerequisite for a common border free Europe.

SOUNDBITE (German), Sebastian KURZ, Austrian Chancellor, Secondly, we wish to focus on securing our prosperity. Digitalisation and automation are changing our world, we want to blaze a trail, we want to be pioneers, we want to use the opportunities that presents itself to us, we want Europe to be world leaders.

SOUNDBITE (German), Sebastian KURZ, Austrian Chancellor, Only if we are able to secure stability, security and peace in our neighbouring countries will we be able to guarantee security sustainably for the future. And we want to make contribution to that end. We want to secure our Eastern Partnership. We have seen russian aggression we have seen sanctions and we have seen violation of international law and it important therefore to beef up our channels of dialogue and communication.

SOUNDBITE (German), Sebastian KURZ, Austrian Chancellor, The EU blue print the way we see things will only be completed when the Western Balkans belong to our community of nations.

SOUNDBITE (German), Sebastian KURZ, Austrian Chancellor, We also plan to support the EC in preparing for the next Multi Annual Financial Framework, although of course aware  that negotiations are likely to be very tough.

SOUNDBITE (German), Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC, The Austrian chancellor recently in an interview of live conversation I can't remember which, plead that the number of European border force officials should not be raised by 10,000 only by 2027, but that it should be sped up to be achieved by 2020. We'll do this,. The EC in September will be tabling proposals to speed it up, with the two arms of the legislator. I'd like to have 10,000 people available by 2020 aiding the 100,000 national border officials.

SOUNDBITE (German), Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC, I would like us to see the 5 legislative proposals on asylum, which have driven with remarkable energy by Parliament, adopted by July. I know that this isn't something which is supported everywhere in Council, but where we are in agreement, between the institutions, Parliament, Council and Commission, we should do this rather than leaving the impression that we'd rather talk than act. We can act! (applause).