Upon the conclusion of the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), the President of the European People’s Party (EPP), Joseph DAUL, has praised Chancellor Sebastian KURZ and Die neue Volkspartei for a successful presidency and its numerous achievements in delivering a “Europe that protects” for all EU citizens. On this occasion, he made the following statement:

“I would like to congratulate Chancellor Kurz and Die neue Volkspartei for their many achievements over the past 6 months to ensure the security of European citizens and the stability of our continent. I am proud that once more an EPP party has advanced many important European dossiers, from migration to climate change.

Through the launch of rescEU– the European civil protection mechanism – and work on developing an EU security union, the Austrian Presidency has improved our capacity to protect our citizens and respond to unforeseen challenges.

Upon the proposal of the Austrian Presidency jointly with the European Commission, the EU adopted a comprehensive approach, from securing better our external borders with a reinforced European Border and Coast Guard to strengthening our ties with Africa so that future generations can have a future in their home countries. On climate change, the agreement on the reduction of CO2 emissions for new cars, with 37.5% fewer emissions by 2030, is just an example of concrete success of the Austrian Presidency to protect our future and our planet.

In particular I commend the progress on the post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), notably on the negotiation boxes. Chancellor Kurz and the Austrian Presidency have ensured that the future EU budget will deliver prosperity and security for European people and businesses. There cannot be any security without stability and deciding how the EU spends its money in the coming years will determine how prepared our continent will be to deal with future challenges.

I am also glad that our ties with Serbia and Montenegro were deepened under the EU Austrian Presidency. The security of our neighbourhood is our security and this implies ensuring stability in the Balkans and bringing the Western Balkans on the EU path.

Die neue Volkspartei’s leadership has been crucial in steering the EU in the past six months and addressing the most important concerns of our citizens. I look forward to continue working with chancellor Kurz and  Die neue Volkspartei to bring Europe further and delivering for our citizens.''