Austrian Chancellor Rejects EU Commission’s Demand for More Money from Member States

Chancellor Karl Nehammer Rejects EU Commission’s Demand for More Money from Member States

Vienna, Austria – Chancellor Karl Nehammer has rejected the EU Commission’s demand for more money from member states. In an interview with Ö1 morning journal, Nehammer stated that the use of funds that are already available should be prioritized before new taxpayers’ money is demanded from member states.

Nehammer cited the cohesion fund, the reconstruction fund, and potential savings in administration as examples of available funds that should be utilized. He emphasized the need to consider the use of existing funds before requesting additional budget allocations.

The EU Commission, however, argues that the majority of funds from the two funds mentioned by Nehammer, with a total volume of 480 billion euros, have already been reserved and can be accessed until the end of the budget period. The commission also highlighted that the use of these funds is regulated by regulations and cannot simply be postponed.

Nehammer called on the EU Commission to present a plan for reallocating the funds and ensure that it benefits the member states. He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the allocation process.

The EU Commission recently called on the 27 member states to contribute an additional 66 billion euros to the EU budget, primarily to support areas such as Ukraine, migration, and competition. This call comes in the wake of the Ukraine war and other crises that have impacted the EU.

Austria, as a net contributor, would be required to contribute an additional 1.6 billion euros if the increase in the EU budget is approved. However, Minister of Finance Magnus Brunner immediately rejected this demand, citing the tense budget situation in Austria due to the corona crisis, economic crisis, high inflation, and energy prices. Brunner emphasized the need to prioritize existing possibilities to cover Ukraine’s financial needs.

The FPÖ, Austria’s liberal party, also expressed opposition to increasing the funds. Harald Vilimsky, the liberal delegation leader in the EU Parliament, criticized the EU Commission’s proposal, stating that it goes beyond any reasonable dimension and reflects the political failure of Brussels.

Any increase in the EU budget would require the agreement of all EU member states and the EU Parliament.

Sources:
– APA – Austria Press Agency
– Ö1 morning journalChancellor Karl Nehammer of Austria has rejected the EU Commission’s demand for more money from member states. In an interview with Ö1 morning journal, Nehammer stated that the use of funds already available should be a priority before new taxpayers’ money is demanded. He pointed out the cohesion fund, the reconstruction fund, and potential savings in administration as examples of available funds.

The EU Commission has called on member states to contribute an additional 66 billion euros to the EU budget, particularly in light of the Ukraine war. The funds would benefit areas such as Ukraine, migration, and competition. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for increased funding, citing the series of crises experienced by the EU in recent years.

However, Minister of Finance Magnus Brunner immediately rejected the demand for an increase in funds, stating that Austria, as a net contributor, could not agree to it. Brunner highlighted the tense budget situation in Austria due to the corona crisis, economic crisis, high inflation, and energy prices. He argued that Ukraine’s financial needs should be covered by existing possibilities.

The FPÖ (Freedom Party of Austria) also expressed opposition to increasing the funds, with the party’s delegation leader in the EU Parliament, Harald Vilimsky, criticizing the proposal as exceeding reasonable dimensions and reflecting the political failure of Brussels.

It is important to note that any increase in the EU budget would require the agreement of all EU member states and the EU Parliament.

Source: Kurier (https://kurier.at/politik/inland/nehammer-oesterreich-zahlt-kein-geld-mehr-ein/401682091)

In light of the ongoing economic challenges faced by member states, what is the growing sentiment among these states regarding the use of existing funds and requesting additional financial contributions to the EU

The EU. Vilimsky argued that member states should focus on managing their own budgets and addressing domestic issues rather than funneling more money into the EU.

Nehammer’s rejection of the EU Commission’s demand aligns with the concerns raised by other member states and political parties. Many are hesitant to allocate additional funds, especially in light of the ongoing economic challenges faced by their respective countries.

As discussions regarding the EU budget continue, it remains to be seen how the issue will be resolved. However, Chancellor Nehammer’s stance reflects a growing sentiment among member states that the use of existing funds should take precedence before requesting additional financial contributions.