Since 1 July 2018, Austria holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union under the leadership of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

Our Austrian member party NEOS, who are in opposition in Austria, reacted to the plans of the Austrian EU Presidency with a video message by its newly elected leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger: "This is our chance to shape our European home. However, the government only does one thing: they try to lull us with nice pictures and do not care about the things that really matter for the future."

"With “Europa, Red Ma Drüber!“ (Let’s talk about Europe!), we conducted Austria's biggest survey on Europe. This showed: It’s not enough to close routes, we also have to open up new perspectives. People care especially about the topics of climate change, employment and a fair taxation system. We will continue to raise the topics that do not dominate the headlines, but affect people’s daily lives. Share my video with your friends and your family and be a strong voice for Europe, that encourages, enthuses and empowers."

Heute beginnt die österreichische EU Ratspräsidentschaft. Allein mit Marketinggags und Migrationsängsten werden wir keine Schritte nach vorne machen. Im Gegenteil: der Populismus ist eine Gefahr für Europa und unsere freie Gesellschaft. @neos_eu #fightbackwithasmile

— Beate Meinl-Reisinger (@BMeinl) July 1, 2018