Now it is important to do everything so that the war from the eastern borders of Europe does not spread to the central part of the continent, emphasized Austrian Chancellor Karl Neuhammer.
At the opening of the Alpbach European Forum, Nehammer emphasized that it is therefore important to give an appropriate perspective to the entire Western Balkans. He also noted the tensions in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.
Nehammer supported the continuation of negotiations also regarding the Ukrainian conflict. He said that there will be no quick end to the war, but that it is necessary to maintain contacts with Russia.
The Austrian has come out clearly in favor of maintaining sanctions against Russia, saying that this is something that must be done. However, he emphasized that it is justified to ask the question whether the sanctions affect Russia more than the EU.
Russian aggression against Ukraine is the main topic of the Alpbach European Forum, which is held this year under the motto “New Europe”.
Invited to the opening was the president of Moldova, Maja Sandu, who said that all of Europe should help Ukraine, because Ukrainians are protecting all of Europe.
When asked if there is a risk of Russia attacking Moldova, Sandu noted that “the risks are great”, that “no one can feel safe” and that “Moldova is a fragile democracy without a strong defense”.
Sandu called on the EU to give her country, as well as Ukraine, an honest prospect of accession.
She urged the EU to do more against disinformation, saying it had become a growing threat. She also told Sandu that it is necessary for Europe to establish energy security more quickly.
Earlier, the president of the Alpbach Forum, Andreas Treihl, emphasized that a strong European defense architecture is needed. “I appreciate NATO, but Europe must be able to defend its borders independently,” he noted.