Vienna (PK) – In the current debate for which the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexander Schallenberg, appeared today at the Foreign Policy Committee, the focus was on the situation in the Middle East. Schallenberg stressed his stance against a ceasefire, but supported humanitarian pauses to allow for evacuations and aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip. The deputies were particularly interested in Austrian aid funds for the region.
Topics outside of Israel included Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, EU expansion policy, Schengen and the situation in Sudan. The Foreign Minister could imagine postponing the next elections in Ukraine, but only with a timetable specific. As a candidate for EU membership, the country must also hold democratic elections, he emphasized.
Middle East: ceasefire and financial aid dominate the debate
Taking into account the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, the Minister of Foreign Affairs once again highlighted Austria’s position: any attempt to relativize it must be rejected. There are no two sides or equivalence between a pluralistic democracy and a listed terrorist organization. It was therefore clear that Austria could not agree to the resolution adopted at the UN General Assembly in this way, Schallenberg said. Because he didn’t mention Hamas by name or mention Israel’s right to self-defense.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also made clear his position on a ceasefire. Like the EU and the G7 states, he is against a ceasefire because Hamas could reconvene at this time. However, the humanitarian pauses currently taking place to evacuate hostages from the Gaza Strip and deliver humanitarian aid are certainly welcome. It is important to avoid a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. That’s why Austria is providing €2 million in aid to the Palestinian civilian population through the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Schallenberg said. In the long term, the solution could only lie in a two-state solution, he emphasized again.
Martin Engelberg (ÖVP) showed incomprehension that Israel is constantly warned to show consideration for the civilian population, as if it were not already doing so. In his opinion, demanding a ceasefire now would be indecent. Hamas could then rebuild its structures. Of course, humanitarian breaks are necessary. With regard to cooperation funds for the development of Palestine, the deputy considered the review ordered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs necessary. There are indications that money flows directly or indirectly to Hamas through suborganizations.
Petra Bayr (SPÖ) asked when this review would be completed. From her point of view, these are funds for development projects that cannot be misused by Hamas. Therefore, it is important to return to this soon. His parliamentary group colleague, Muna Duzdar, did not understand why the exam took so long. Schallenberg responded that she expected the report in the coming weeks. Either way, he said, he wants to know exactly where the money is going. In the past, people were sometimes a little naive. Questioned by Michel Reimon (Greens) about the amount currently withheld, the Minister of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is currently a single payment of 250 thousand euros. But the test also looks to the future. Susanne Fürst (FPÖ) referred to the 2 million euros in new aid funds that should be supported if they really benefit the civilian population. The MP wanted to know how this could be controlled. That’s the biggest crux, says Schallenberg. The funds would go to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. You have to trust the Federation to do the right thing on the ground.
Reinhold Lopatka (ÖVP) addressed the situation in Israel’s neighboring states. He wanted to know whether Austria also maintained contacts with countries such as Jordan and Lebanon. Preventing a wildfire in the Middle East is a top priority, Schallenberg said, which is why he is in almost daily contact with representatives from the region. Pessimism and fear prevail in the Arab world.
Peter Wurm (FPÖ) asked about dual nationals who were released from the Gaza Strip. He was interested in knowing what dual citizenship they had, whether people had remained in Egypt and whether a security check had been carried out. Citizenship would have to be analyzed on a case-by-case basis, said the chancellor. The condition for liberation through Egypt was that people left the country within 72 hours. In addition, a triple security check took place: by Israel, Egypt and Austria. One person is still in the Gaza Strip due to the lack of a “green light” from Israel.
Faika El-Nagashi (Greens) discussed the rise in anti-Semitic incidents, as well as incidents directed against Arab and Muslim institutions. With the national strategy against anti-Semitism, Austria is well positioned, Schallenberg said. It is still shocking what has been “torn” again since October 7th. “It’s never again now” should be the motto to move forward.
Ukraine, EU enlargement and other Schengen topics
Schallenberg was convinced that the “real ring of fire” that is currently occurring in the form of conflicts in different regions of Europe must be countered by a “ring of stability”. In the context of an imminent second harsh winter of war in Ukraine, it is important to continue to show solidarity with the country. In view of Ukraine’s accession talks to the European Union, which were recommended yesterday by the European Commission, Schallenberg said there was no quick path to the EU. The opening of accession negotiations is no guarantee of effective accession. It is therefore necessary to trust in the gradual integration of States that wish to become part of the EU. This especially applies to the Western Balkan countries. Christoph Matznetter (SPÖ) and Susanne Fürst (FPÖ) commented critically that it appeared that the Commission was promising Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
Helmut Brandstätter (NEOS) addressed the topic of elections in Ukraine. The Russian aggressor deliberately prevents any normal life in Ukraine. It is therefore necessary to also understand that elections are not possible at this time. The chancellor said he understood the possibility of a postponement, but not “until Saint Nicholas Day”. A clear schedule is needed. “Ukraine has the status of a candidate for EU membership, so it also has to hold democratic elections,” Schallenberg said clearly.
Asked by Axel Kassegger (FPÖ) about a strategy for gas supply if Ukraine does not extend the Russian gas transit contract until the end of 2024, as announced, the Minister for Foreign Affairs referred to complete gas storage facilities gas and a diversification of gas sources.
Petra Bayr (SPÖ) and Helmut Brandstätter (NEOS) discussed the current status of Austria’s position regarding Romania and Bulgaria’s accession to Schengen. Bayr expressed concern that the two countries would block Austria on other issues until there is clarity. Brandstätter expressed incomprehension that there was no common solution. Schallenberg was clearly in favor of Schengen expansion, but the system had to work for that, which is currently not the case. After all, 40% of Schengen States would carry out border controls. He considers it unacceptable to mix topics, Schallenberg said, given the possible blockades of Romania and Bulgaria.
Green MP Ewa Ernst-Dziedzic addressed the situation in Sudan, where fighting is currently intensifying. It is a source of conflict that needs to be monitored closely, the Foreign Minister said. He cited support for the country’s population, such as funding for the World Food Program.
Henrike Brandstötter (NEOS) discussed another African country, Uganda. More and more countries would distance themselves after adopting an anti-LGBTIQ law. In his opinion, Austria also needs to rethink the means of development cooperation in the country. Schallenberg said the EU has been too naive here in the past. (Continued by the Foreign Policy Committee) kar