Poll on election day

What the Viennese want from the EU

The polling station at GRG 21 was a hive of activity on Sunday morning.(Bild: Martin A. Jöchl)

Protecting the climate, stopping migration or more self-determination? We visited two polling stations to find out what the Viennese hope for from the Brussels leadership. There is no shortage of criticism. 

People from all EU countries made a pilgrimage to the ballot box on Sunday - and the Viennese also had the opportunity to do so from 7am. Interest was lower than in national elections for the reason that the EU is not within reach for some people. However, those who went to the polls on Sunday did so with certain wishes and expectations. The "Krone" picked up Wiener outside the polling station.

"I am fundamentally positive about the EU. The shift to the right will be exciting, the formation of the Commission will not be easy. Internal stability and a united stance against Russia are important," says Thomas Berger.

"Climate protection is the most important thing for me," says Benjamin Taubad, who has traveled to the polling station in Zeltgasse in the eighth district by bike. Could a shift to the right put the brakes on climate policy? "That's to be feared, but I'm a religion teacher, so I still have hope."

1.1 million Viennese had the opportunity to cast their vote in the EU elections on Sunday. This includes 11,015 Austrians living abroad and 15,636 non-Austrian EU citizens.

Viennese criticize failures in climate protection and integration
Climate protection is also close to the hearts of younger voters. "I would like to see a better climate policy. The EU has not achieved its goals. We also need a better integration policy. Closing the borders won't solve the problems," says Leah Luttenberger.

"The Schengen Agreement in migration policy is not enough. The EU's external presence is generally too weak. And it is on the wrong track when it comes to energy policy. By phasing out combustion engines, we are destroying our nuclear industry," says Paul Malliga.

Maria Kerimova also criticizes the handling of migration: "I was born in Bulgaria and joining the EU has helped my family and me a lot. My parents worked hard so that we could have a better life. Many migrants who come now don't want to do anything. That's not possible."

In my opinion, the EU is too weak on the outside. The Schengen Agreement is not enough when it comes to migration. The euro is a foreign currency that we cannot influence.

Paul Malliga

Bild: Martin A. Jöchl

For me, climate protection is the most important thing. We are heading for a catastrophe and the EU must take countermeasures now. The climate change deniers will win this election. But I have hope.

Benjamin Taubad

Bild: Martin A. Jöchl

I would like to see a better climate policy. The EU has not achieved the goals it set itself in this respect. And things are also going wrong with integration policy. Closing the borders doesn't help

Leah Luttenberger

Bild: Martin A. Jöchl

I have a positive attitude towards the EU. The shift to the right, which is making it difficult to form a cabinet, will be exciting. In any case, internal stability and a united stance against Russia are important.

Thomas Berger

Bild: Martin A. Jöchl

I was born in Bulgaria and joining the EU has made things a lot easier. Nevertheless, my parents had to work hard to have a good life here. It is made too easy for the migrants who are coming now.

Maria Kerimova

Bild: Martin A. Jöchl

We benefit from the EU on many levels. But our politicians should not only celebrate in Brussels, they should also do some hacking. Criminal foreigners should also be deported more quickly.

Rudolf Poppe

Bild: Martin A. Jöchl