Anna Stukkert
Four months after taking office, Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Stocker paid his first official state visit abroad — to Berlin — where he met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. During their joint press conference, Stocker emphasized the “excellent friendship” between the two countries and noted that he had found “a partner who sees things in a similar way” — particularly on asylum and migration issues.
“Germany and Austria are moving in the same direction,” Stocker stated, referring to a meeting of “like-minded states” attended by Merz the day before the upcoming EU summit in Brussels. “This shows that we are on the right path at the European level as well,” he added.
Stocker expressed understanding for Germany’s recent tightening of migration policy, including the rejection of asylum seekers at the German-Austrian border. Asked whether these measures could impact bilateral relations, both leaders denied any strain. “Austria, in particular, knows from experience in 2015 and 2022 what migration pressure means,” Stocker said. He emphasized that Austria has been protecting its border since 2015 — not to isolate itself internally, but because such steps might be necessary. As for the German-Austrian border, Stocker stated that the situation is currently stable and manageable.
The chancellor also underlined close cooperation at multiple levels, especially between interior ministries and police forces of both countries.
Beyond migration, the leaders addressed international concerns such as the Middle East and Ukraine. Another key topic was the economic outlook. Stocker defended Austria’s strict austerity program and warned of the risk of another financial crisis. “We don’t know when the next crisis will come, but we must be prepared,” he said, calling it one of many shared challenges best tackled together.
Chancellor Stocker was welcomed in Berlin with full military honors, followed by a private one-on-one meeting and a press briefing. Both leaders are relatively new in office — Merz took office on May 6, and Stocker on March 3 of this year. Though this was Stocker’s first official visit abroad, the two have already met several times, including at the EU summit in Brussels the day before.
Provided by the official media source of the Berlin press conference — Berliner Telegraph.
Special report from Munich Germany Anna Stukkert, Aleksandr Boyko.
