Call to vote

For Burgenlanders, the advantages of the EU outweigh the disadvantages

Hoffmann emphasizes the positive effects of the EU on the economy.

(Bild: Reinhard Judt)

According to the latest polls, 72 percent of the population of Burgenland want to vote in the European Parliament elections on Sunday. The SPÖ and ÖVP have good reasons for this.

Although skepticism towards the high politics in Brussels is increasing, as current surveys show, the advantages of EU membership continue to outweigh the disadvantages from the perspective of the Burgenland population. The SPÖ can only agree with this.

High investments

No province has benefited more from EU membership than Burgenland. Since 1995, 13 million euros have been invested in growth and employment in the district of Mattersburg alone. "Not only have 26 million euros been released for regional value creation, but above all campaigns for the unemployed and inactive, the better reconciliation of work and family, the fight against female poverty and the creation of additional labour market policy offers have significantly raised the standard of living," emphasizes SPÖ district chairman Thomas Hoffmann.

Many projects made possible

In addition, 53 million euros in direct funding for rural development in the district. "Leader funding has created offers in the municipalities that would otherwise be unthinkable," says Hoffmann. As examples, he mentions an intergenerational space in Draßburg, several playgrounds, viewing platforms, village squares, the shoe mill in Schattendorf and many other offers that make life in the region better.

Not without criticism

Despite all the positive aspects, Hoffmann also criticizes the current status quo of the EU: "Over-regulation means that we are more dependent than ever on China and other countries."

Sagartz sees the EU's strengths in the unity of its member states.

(Bild: Karl Grammer)

ÖVP MEP Christian Sagartz is in favor of a strong, united European Union: "Austria cannot tackle major challenges such as migration or climate protection alone." The election of the European Parliament is therefore more than ever a question of direction. For Sagartz, one thing is clear: "We need the European Union, but it must become better."