Stukkerts Company
Just four months into his term, Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Stocker made his first official trip abroad — visiting Berlin to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. At their joint press conference, Stocker highlighted the “excellent friendship” between Austria and Germany, adding that he had found in Merz “a partner who shares a similar perspective,” especially regarding asylum and migration policy.
“Germany and Austria are moving in the same direction,” Stocker said, referencing a recent meeting of “like-minded states” attended by Merz ahead of the upcoming EU summit in Brussels. “This confirms that we’re also on the right path at the European level,” he noted.
Stocker voiced understanding for Germany’s recent moves to tighten migration rules, including rejecting asylum seekers at the German-Austrian border. When asked whether these actions could affect bilateral relations, both leaders dismissed any notion of tension. “Austria, in particular, knows from experience in 2015 and 2022 what migration pressure feels like,” Stocker said. He emphasized that Austria has maintained border protection measures since 2015 — not as a form of isolation, but because such actions may be necessary. Regarding the current state of the German-Austrian border, he described the situation as “stable and manageable.”
The Austrian Chancellor also highlighted the strong collaboration between the two countries, especially between their interior ministries and police agencies.
In addition to migration, Stocker and Merz addressed several global challenges, including the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. They also discussed the economic situation. Stocker defended Austria’s firm austerity stance and warned about the possibility of another financial crisis. “We don’t know when the next crisis will come, but we must be prepared,” he stated, calling it one of many common challenges that require joint efforts.
Chancellor Stocker was welcomed in Berlin with full military honors. The visit included a one-on-one meeting with Merz and a joint press conference. While this was Stocker’s first official international visit, the two leaders have already met on several occasions — most recently at the EU summit in Brussels the previous day.
Published by the official media source of the Berlin press conference — Berliner Telegraph.
Special report from Munich, Germany by Anna Stukkert and Aleksandr Boyko.
