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Schallenberg criticizes “standing aside” on migration

by AI | 05.Jul 2024 | Europe in brief AI

During a visit to Greece, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg criticized the “standing on the sidelines” of those EU members that are less affected by migration. This would undermine the “European idea”.

Archive image - "While some states are affected, other EU members look away," quoted the Foreign Ministry Schallenberg. Photo: Barbara Gindl/APA

Athens/Vienna – Austria’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) visited Athens on Wednesday. The meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis focused particularly on migration on the Greek islands and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. Schallenberg criticized the “standing aside” of those EU members who are less affected by migration. This behavior “undermines the European idea.”

“The fundamental problem is what I call the debate on the level of concern. While some states are affected, other EU members look away”, quoted the Foreign Ministry the words of the head of the department in a statement to APA. “So if other states say that migration does not concern them, then we have a big problem.” He also pointed out that irregular migration “continues to be used as a weapon.”

He praised Greece’s role as it “has rescued around 250,000 people from distress at sea since the beginning of the migration crisis in 2015.” “Therefore, the accusation that Greece is inactive is completely unfounded.” Schallenberg emphasized: Greece deserves “our full support and solidarity” in combating irregular migration. One should also “take off the ideological blinders” regarding the motives of those who arrive by boat: “These people have often travelled through several safe third countries.”

Regarding the Western Balkans, Schallenberg emphasized that it is not Europe’s backyard. Gerapetritis added that Greece is one of the countries “that pave the way for the Western Balkan states into the European family and offer their peoples a better future.” (03.07.2024)