New Austrian Chancellor to meet with Zelensky after talks with EU leaders

The head of the Austrian government spoke with reporters at the doorstep of the special EU Council on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"It has only been a few days since I took the oath, and my first trip here, to Brussels, is taking place in a very difficult situation, but it gives me the opportunity to meet all the heads of state and government from across the European Union. I will hold various talks today, I have already had the opportunity to talk with the President of the European Council, António Costa, there will also be discussions with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and, of course, with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky has also been scheduled," he said.

Stocker pointed out that Austria would continue to play its role in the EU's common security and defense policy on the basis of the nation’s neutrality status.

"Austria has participated and will participate in supporting Ukraine based on neutrality within the framework of European solidarity," the Austrian Chancellor assured.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, today, March 6, a Special European Council is being held in Brussels, where the heads of state and government of the EU member states are considering ways to strengthen European defense and increasing assistance to Ukraine in the context of the statements and actions by the new U.S. administration to reduce the role of this country in maintaining European security and in military assistance to Ukraine.

Photo: PAP/EPA