30 years ago today, on January 1, 1995, Austria joined the European Union under Chancellor Franz Vranitzky. On the occasion of the anniversary, SPÖ federal party chairman Andreas Babler and SPÖ EU delegation leader Andreas Schieder emphasize that joining the EU was a milestone in the history of the Second Republic and has strengthened our country. “The European Union is the promise of security and freedom in Europe and a good life for everyone. Our shared values - democracy, human rights and social security – are the central pillars of the European community. With a lot of great effort – including from European social democracy – great achievements have been achieved in recent years and decades: from the free movement of people to the common currency to improvements for employees through wage transparency laws or the Europe-wide minimum wages in countries with lower wages Collective agreement coverage,” says Babler, who emphasizes that social democracy has always advocated for Europe to be more than a single market. “Europe must also be a social union. We have already taken a few steps in this direction – but have not yet reached the end of the goal. It’s about putting people’s needs at the center and strengthening the social pillar,” Babler emphasized to the SPÖ press service today, Wednesday. ****
“We must not and we will not leave Europe to the right-wing populists and destroyers. We fight for a social and fair Europe. A Europe in which everyone – including large international corporations – pays their fair taxes; a Europe that intervenes in the market, guarantees an affordable life, advances climate protection and brings the Green Deal to life. In order to strengthen Europe’s economy, we must work hand in hand with our partners to ensure growth, innovation, jobs and security of supply,” said Babler.
“Today we look back on 30 years of Austria in the EU – a 30-year success story that has made Austria stronger and brought Austrians more prosperity and peace every day. The European Union is so much more than open borders and a common market,” says Schieder, who emphasizes: “We stand together in the fight against climate change, stand by each other in solidarity in times of war and crisis, but also take care of it Protection of consumers, the expansion of infrastructure and mobility, and employee rights. We stand up for democracy and the rule of law and take consistent action against violations of our fundamental values within our ranks, but also worldwide. The EU is a guarantee for peace, freedom and prosperity, in Austria, in Europe and throughout the world,” said Schieder.
“The re-election of Trump as US President, the ongoing war on our doorstep, the crisis in the Middle East, trade embargoes from China – right now we need the EU more than ever. In times of great global challenges, we must continually remind ourselves that we are only strong together. “Only together can we strengthen Austria and Europe as a business location, only together can we appear on the international stage and make a difference with our voice and only together can we ensure that our society does not drift further and further apart and more justice can emerge,” said Schieder finally (final) ls/lw