NEOS launch EU election campaign

On 16 April, ALDE Party member NEOS in Austria presented its election programme and kicked off its campaign for the European elections in June.

Austrian liberals will campaign for the federalisation of the European Union and the establishment of a more harmonised approach to defence, security and EU foreign policy.

Helmut Brandstätter MP, who was confirmed as NEOS’ lead candidate for the elections in January, argued liberals are the only force that will guarantee Austria will have a stronger place in the EU.

“NEOS is clearly the only party 100 per cent in favour of a strong, united Europe on all issues. After these elections, we will lead more intensive cooperation for the people of Europe. We want the United States of Europe,” said Brandstätter.

“Unfortunately there are both solutions and dangers, so we have to talk about them too. The important thing about our campaign is that we have both: we draw attention to the dangers, argue how we can protect people and say what we urgently need to make this Europe better.”

NEOS Secretary General Douglas Hoyos MP added: “This is the strongest opportunity to cast a clear vote in favour of more Europe, in favour of a clear European vision. And it is precisely this connection between citizens and the European Union that is needed more than ever when we look at the current situation.

“We need a united Europe right now to answer the pressing questions of the future, and in this campaign we will address exactly what can help us solve them. We are convinced that it is only one thing, a common, a united Europe in the vision of the United States of Europe.”

NEOS’ programme for the European elections includes a nine-point plan with proposals to create a true internal energy market, a common European army and clearer standards for constitutional procedures around migration.

The European elections in Austria are scheduled to be held on 9 June, as citizens will head to the polls to elect 20 MEPs.

You can rewatch NEOS’ campaign kickoff event below (in German).