Federal Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel, President-in-Office of the EU, met the Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker in the Federal Chancellery for an exchange of views on topical issues relating to the European Union on Tuesday.
Schüssel was optimistic that it would be possible to bring the negotiations on the financial perspective to a successful conclusion by April together with the European Parliament and the European Commission.
"We want to work swiftly and obtain a decision as quickly as possible", Schüssel said. The two leaders stressed the need to place the EU’s future financing on a new footing and to open up concrete, new sources of own resources. This had to be discussed together with the European Parliament. “It is important to introduce new ideas, for the current method will not work in future“, Schüssel said.
“The Austrian Presidency now faces the difficult task of brokering a compromise with the European Parliament. This calls for a great deal of tact”, Juncker said. He was optimistic that a conclusion would soon be reached, however, and welcomed in this context the agreement on harmonisation of VAT rates in the Union achieved by the Austrian Presidency.
Wolfgang Schüssel also issued an urgent appeal to Iran to fulfil its international obligations.
“It is a cause for great concern if Iran is apparently unable to protect European facilities and citizens. That is not acceptable, Schüssel said. Europe had to speak with one voice in such a situation and demonstrate clarity, firmness and solidarity."
“The European way of life exerts a powerful attraction. It stands for human rights, freedom of expression as well as respect and tolerance”, according to the Chancellor.
Commenting on the first suspected cases of avian flu in the EU, Schüssel was confident that all the crisis and defence measures would prove effective. “Austria already discussed all the emergency plans on 9 January during the meeting with the European Commission in Vienna and arranged for all the necessary steps to be taken. It is a veterinary problem, but there is no imminent risk to humans", according to the Chancellor. It was also important to ensure that all decisions taken were fully transparent. The Chancellor called on all concerned to provide objective information and to avoid fomenting unnecessary fears.
He concluded by congratulating Jean-Claude Juncker on the award of the Charlemagne prize for his political services to Europe and to Luxemburg. "For me, Jean-Claude Juncker is living proof that it is possible to serve Europe and one’s own country at the same time. The Luxembourg Presidency’s enthusiastic commitment last year is my yardstick", the Chancellor said
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