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Vienna (PK) – During a discussion on the current EU preview in the Constitutional Committee of the National Council today, Federal Minister Karoline Edtstadler reported on key projects at Union level and pointed out progress in the areas of rule of law, EU enlargement and cyber security.

Before that, the Constitutional Commission had once again dealt with the “Nehammer must go” referendum. Initiator Robert Marschall echoed his views and especially criticism of Nehammer, whose actions contributed to a “deep divide in society.” In particular, he accused him of supporting the introduction of mandatory vaccinations against COVID-19, his statements on neutrality, Russia's politics and the ÖVP's exceeding the maximum election campaign cost limit. In addition to the president, his deputies Gerlinde Wolz and Michael Fichtenbauer also participated in the deliberations.

Ambitious final work program of the current Commission

The basis for the discussion on current and planned EU projects was a joint report by Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Constitutional Minister Karoline Edtstadler (III-1112 dB), in which the two government members reported, among other things, which initiatives The European Commission must take action before the European Parliament elections in June 2024. This is the last work program of the current Commission, which must be seen in the context of numerous global and national crises, explained Edtstadler. These range from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, illegal migration, the economic crisis, climate change and the effects of the digital revolution. The minister was convinced that the Union must convey to people that it is capable of finding solutions to the most pressing issues of the present and the future.

As regards the Commission's specific program, it includes, among other things, the finalization of the European Green Deal, the advancement of the digital agenda, measures to deepen the internal market, strengthening the rule of law and the migration and asylum package. The report also addresses the enlargement of the Union, as well as the rule of law, crisis preparedness, cybersecurity and anti-Semitism.

Unfortunately, the situation in the Middle East is currently deteriorating, Edtstadler said. After the terrorist organization Hamas “massacred” Israeli citizens, the country has every right to self-defense. At the same time, humanitarian aid is also needed for people in need in Gaza. In his opinion, the two-state solution must, above all, be promoted.

On the issue of EU enlargement, much has gone further, said Edtstadler, who referred in particular to the decisions concerning the Republic of Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine. It was also important that Bosnia-Herzegovina received a clear perspective from the EU, she told Nikolaus Scherak (NEOS). It is now indisputable that expansion must occur, the only question is when. However, it must also say openly that in the case of Ukraine there cannot be an “accelerated” accession process. In general, Austria's solidarity with Ukraine is unquestionable, the minister emphasized, with support coming from political, humanitarian and financial levels. The decision on the Mechanism for Ukraine, through which €50 billion will be made available (€17 billion in grants, €33 billion in loans), was important.

In parallel with expansion plans, internal reforms within the EU must also be addressed and the necessary homework must be done. In view of the upcoming elections for the European Parliament, according to Edtstadler, it is essential to interest young people, who already take many of the Union's advantages for granted, in the European idea and to inform them better. For this reason, he will undertake a tour of Austria with the participation of so-called European local councilors.

Questions about combating anti-Semitism and disinformation campaigns

A very important concern for the minister was the fight against anti-Semitism, as there has been an increase of up to 400% since October 7, 2023. This development is causing him great concern. A national strategy against all forms of anti-Semitism has already been presented in 2021, informed FPÖ president Harald Stefan.

In response to questions from Christian Drobits (SP), Martin Engelberg (ÖVP) and Michel Reimon (Greens) about disinformation campaigns and cybersecurity, Edtstadler explained that Austria supports both awareness-raising measures and technical developments (hybrid toolbox ), as well as the exchange of experiences. In addition to creating a security academy, it would also be necessary to train and recruit sufficient specialists for the public sector. At a legal level, he particularly highlighted the Communication Platforms Law, the Digital Services Law and the Digital Markets Law.

Regarding the two ongoing procedures under Article 7 TEU, the head of the department stated that Poland had gone ahead and presented an action plan. SPÖ MP Muna Duzdar told Edtstadler that the supply chain law currently under negotiation contains good approaches, but provides the wrong means. Not only did Minister Kocher abstain from the vote, but also representatives from 13 countries. Improving global workers' rights is important, the minister emphasized, but at the same time excessive regulation must be avoided. Austria will agree to the anti-forced labor regulation that is on the agenda today.

The report has been noted by all parliamentary groups except the FPÖ and is therefore finalized.

Commission debate on the referendum “Nehammer has to go”

Consultations on the “Nehammer must go” referendum (2079 dB), supported by 106,440 Austrians, should have concluded in February. However, since the initiators around Robert Marschall were unable to participate in the commission negotiations in January due to a failure in communication, the initiative was returned to the Constitutional Commission by the plenary session. Specifically, it is requested that Article 41 of the Federal Constitution be amended so that all resolutions of the National Council and therefore also resolutions of censure against Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer can be requested by referendum.

The initiators justify their demand by saying that Nehammer had “grossly abused” voters' trust and confidence in democracy, accusing him, among other things, of supporting the introduction of mandatory vaccinations against COVID-19, police actions against the peaceful people” at rallies during the Corona pandemic, the government's Russia policy and the ÖVP's exceeding the campaign cost limit in the 2019 National Council election campaign. Furthermore, Nehammer was never elected Federal Chancellor by the people and, when moving from the National Council to the government, he committed a “breach of the separation of powers”.

Robert Marschall explained that he was happy that the referendum was finally being discussed in committee today. At the last appointment, he and his representatives had to wait two hours in the corridor or even sit on the floor because they were not offered a chair. Regarding specific content, Marschall repeated his positions and especially criticism of Nehammer, whose actions contributed to a “deep division in society.” Although he received only 366 preferential votes and was a candidate for the National Council, he became Chancellor. His statements about neutrality also contributed to Austria being placed on Russia's list of “hostile states”.

The SPÖ welcomes when people use the instruments of direct democracy, said Muna Duzdar (SPÖ). However, these should not be used to undermine the democratic system. Harald Stefan (FPÖ) considered it important to address the concerns of all citizens. He agreed with criticism of the referendum that introducing mandatory vaccination was a “dead end”. If direct democracy is truly to be strengthened, then legislative initiatives must also be possible, he suggested.

Nikolaus Scherak from NEOS stated that his parliamentary group also advocates an expansion of direct democracy, although the Federal Chancellor in Austria is not elected, but appointed by the Federal President. ÖVP deputy Nikolaus Berlakovich, who did not like the title of the referendum because it was directed against one person, argued similarly. Michel Reimon wanted to “speak clearly” and directly asked the initiator of the referendum who was behind it and what interests he represented. There are rumors that there are influences from Russia or Hungary. The upcoming referendum initiated by Marschall also clearly shows that he is more interested in fighting the democratic party system.

The three initiators of the referendum are present today, Marschall emphasized, and there is no one else behind them. In his opinion, only the FPÖ understood how democracy works.

Discussions on the referendum have now concluded; the report on this matter will be sent to the plenary session. (Conclusion of the Constitutional Commission) sue/gs