Good afternoon. Grüß Gott. Thank you very much for the warm welcome.
I have come to Vienna for my consultations ahead of the informal EU Leaders' meeting in February. This is also my first visit to Austria since the election of Chancellor Kurz. Sebastian, my congratulations once again. As always, it is a pleasure to be in Vienna.
And today, the pleasure is even more special. Like you all, I spent the second half of last night watching the men’s combined in Pyeongchang. You have every right to be proud of Marcel Hirscher. And I am also happy and proud, because Austria’s victory is Europe’s victory. Thank you, Marcel.
Now coming back to our talks today. In February, the Leaders will have a first discussion on the post-2020 MFF, in other words the long-term EU budget. The discussion will be important in signalling the EU’s priorities for the next decade. One key priority is stemming the flow of illegal migration to Europe, which will require a stable and predictable EU funding instrument. Other new priorities include defence and security, digital and education. Of course, we will need to find a balance between funding new priorities and ensuring that the EU's traditional policies continue, in areas such as cohesion and agriculture. What matters is that we make sure that the EU finances priorities which provide solutions to citizens' real concerns.
When it comes to managing illegal migration, Chancellor Kurz and I have discussed it many times already, and we have similar views. Migration will remain a challenge for many years to come, which is why we want to find a solution that makes sure that the EU – together with national states – can manage future migration flows efficiently and without creating new divisions in Europe. It is possible, but naturally all sides need to compromise. Above all, we must put an end to the destructive emotions surrounding the issue of relocation, as they continue to fuel populism and divide Europe. If this issue is not resolved by ministers within the next months, we will need to find a solution at the June European Council.
We also discussed the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia in May, where we will aim to strengthen connections both with and within the region. This spans from more investments in transport infrastructure, through multiplication of educational and cultural exchanges to making communication among our citizens easier and faster. The summit will also aim to boost cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including security and migration. As Europe's gatekeepers for centuries, their involvement in stemming the unprecedented flow of migrants to Europe in 2015 was critical.
Last but not least, today we looked ahead to the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU, which is coming up in the second half of the year. Our agenda will be crowded – with internal security, migration, the long-term EU budget, Brexit, to name but a few. But I am convinced that with such an energetic, determined and pro-European leader like you, Sebastian, the Austrian Presidency is in safe hands. And I will do everything in my power to help you make it a success.
Vielen Dank.
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