EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner: "We can only strengthen Europe's security together!"
Brussels (OTS) - - On the margins of the special EU summit on Ukraine and European security, the Europa-Forum Wachau hosted a high-calibre event at the Lower Austrian Liaison Office in Brussels to shed light on the pressing issues of security and migration in Europe. In view of current developments in Europe and the world, in particular the ongoing war in Ukraine, Europe's new relationship with the USA and the problem of illegal migration, it is extremely important to discuss these issues in depth.
Europe's security is to be solved in Brussels
The European Union must find ways to ensure security for people in the regions and combat illegal migration. We must contribute to remaining a strong Austria in Europe and be a reliable partner of the European Union in order to ensure prosperity, peace and security in Lower Austria, Europe and the world.
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus BrunnerEurope must adapt its approach to security and adopt a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach. Now more than ever, the issue of security must be considered from the outset in all policy areas. To this end, I will present an EU strategy for internal security that brings together the various strands of work. However, this applies not only to the European Commission, but also to member states, regions, municipalities and every citizen."
Major General Thomas StarlingerAustria's military representative in the EU and NATO: "To ensure that the European Union and its member states continue to have a global significance in the future, the President of the Commission, Mrs von der Leyen, has assigned central importance to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in her mission statement to all Commissioners. The aim is to reduce and diversify dependencies on external resources, to build on European strengths in the economic and technology sector and to achieve credible strength and self-reliance in the defence of its population through appropriate investment in the security sector. The critical factor here will be to counteract socio-political polarisation and to involve the people of Europe in overcoming the challenges that lie ahead."
Reinhard MarakHead of the Crisis Management and Security Preparedness Unit of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber: "The European security and defence industry is facing major challenges and opportunities. Following the latest geopolitical developments and the calls for increased rearmament by EU Commission President von der Leyen, it is crucial that Europe strengthens its defence capabilities. The Austrian economy can play an important role in this by providing innovative technologies and solutions. Economic security also means being prepared for crises, be it cyber attacks, economic instability or other threats. The European Union must act as a strong partner here and support the member states."
BackgroundThe Europa-Forum Wachau sees itself as a driving force and pioneer of the European unification process. In recent years, the Forum has dealt intensively with the key issues of European policy and has always sought dialogue with the citizens of Lower Austria. The results of the events and the citizen participation process of the Europa-Forum Wachau are regularly brought to the attention of high-ranking representatives of the EU and thus form an important basis for the decision-makers' further action in Europe.
