On 30th December 2021, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg’s last trip of the year took him to neighbouring Prague to meet his new Czech counterpart Jan Lipavský, where he was received as the first foreign guest. This was an expression both of the excellent relations and of the close ties between Austria and the Czech Republic.
Discussions focused on tackling COVID-19 together and fighting the new Omicron variant:
The spring of 2020 should not be repeated under any circumstances. The borders must be kept open so that neither the economy, nor tens of thousands of commuters on their way to work are affected – they are essential for us,
emphasised Foreign Minister Schallenberg. Cooperation with neighbouring states is of particular importance in tackling the pandemic.
In addition to COVID-19, the Czech Republic’s upcoming EU Council presidency in the second half of 2022 was also a topic of discussion.
We have great expectations for the Czech EU presidency. Prague is a partner we can rely on, where there is opportunity to work together on topics such as the Western Balkans, migration and protection of the EU´s external borders,
said Foreign Minister Schallenberg.
While there was consensus on most topics, the bilateral talks also served to clarify open questions regarding nuclear energy. Foreign Minister Schallenberg therefore discussed a planned new reactor in the Dukovany nuclear power plant, around 100 kilometres north of Vienna, as well as an extension to the lifetime of Temelín and identification of locations for permanent disposal of nuclear waste, which is of great concern to the Austrian public.
We enjoy excellent goodwill and friendship with our Czech neighbours, yet we are always at odds on the topic of nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is, and will continue to be, a ticking time bomb for Austria. However, we are very grateful to the Czech Republic for openly sharing information and providing a good basis for discussion,
concluded Foreign Minister Schallenberg.
