Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz issued a statement on Sunday, reiterating Austria’s full support for Greece’s efforts to keep Europe’s borders intact.
Kurz declared that Greece needs the full solidarity and support of the European Union in this difficult situation, which was deliberately caused by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“The EU must have unity and not show weakness to Turkey,” the chancellor said, while announcing further assistance to Greece at a bilateral level, beyond that which already exists within the EU.
Kurz said that in addition to strengthening Frontex, Austria will also contribute with direct assistance to Greece.
Vienna has already decided to send police and border officers, as well as equipment to support the Greek border with Turkey.
The Austrian leader underlined that everything must be done to ensure that the Greek border with Turkey remains closed, adding that we should not indulge Erdogan’s games.
”The EU must support Greece and not kneel before Erdogan,” Kurz declared flatly.
Kurz announced that, in addition to personnel and material help, Austria will support Greece with humanitarian aid worth one million euros for the refugees currently living on the Greek islands and on the country’s borders.
The current border situation is expected to dominate the talks between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Austrian Chancellor Kurz on Tuesday in Vienna. On Monday, PM Mitsotakis will hold a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.
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