Europe in brief: Highest per capita number of EU asylum applications in Austria, breakthrough in EU asylum reform and agreement to relax EU budgetary rules

Europe in brief: Highest per capita number of EU asylum applications in Austria, breakthrough in EU asylum reform and agreement to relax EU budgetary rules

According to Eurostat, Austria recorded the highest number of first-time asylum applications per capita in September 2023. The country ranks third in the EU for unaccompanied minors. The European Parliament and the member states have reached an agreement on the sweeping reform of the asylum and migration policy. The EU-27 agreed to relax budgetary rules.

Austrian Chancellor Describes Schengen’s Expansion as “Unthinkable”, Says That Has Nothing to Do with Bulgaria, Romania

Austrian Chancellor Describes Schengen’s Expansion as “Unthinkable”, Says That Has Nothing to Do with Bulgaria, Romania

Austrian Chancellor Nehammer said it was “unthinkable” to expand Schengen at the moment, but this had nothing to do with Bulgaria and Romania. During a first visit to Brussels, Polish opposition leader Tusk vowed to restore Poland-EU relations. The European Commission doubles funding for wind energy to 1.4 billion euros.

Europe in brief: Austrian Chancellor Nehammer advocates for diversity and against centralism in the EU

Europe in brief: Austrian Chancellor Nehammer advocates for diversity and against centralism in the EU

With Europe Day around the corner, Austrian Chancellor Nehammer speaks out in favour of diversity and the EU Commission Representation in Slovenia aims to minimise waste production during the festivities, following the signing of a zero waste commitment with an NGO. In other news: Serbia and Kosovo agree to move forward in resolving cases of missing persons and EU anti-corruption measures may become stricter in the future.

Europe in brief: Majority of Austrians is in favor of EU support for Ukraine, Bulgaria expects a decision on Schengen, new European Political Community has started with first meeting in Prague, Slovenian Foreign Minister Fajon: Slovenia is hesitant about Ukraine joining NATO

Europe in brief: Majority of Austrians is in favor of EU support for Ukraine, Bulgaria expects a decision on Schengen, new European Political Community has started with first meeting in Prague, Slovenian Foreign Minister Fajon: Slovenia is hesitant about Ukraine joining NATO

According to a recent survey, a majority of Austrians back a unified EU line in support of Ukraine. Bulgaria expects a decision on Schengen in December, the EP gives strong support. What else was important this week: Leaders of more than 40 European countries gather in Prague for the first meeting of the European Political Community. According to Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, Slovenia is hesitant about Ukraine joining NATO due to the significant security risks.