Seldom have so many forces been undermining the European Union at the same time – both externally and internally. During my talks in Vienna and Rome, I want to discuss with my counterparts how we can strengthen Europe’s cohesion and make the European Union fit for the future. That will only be possible if we in the EU pull together and reach durable compromises, also on difficult issues such as how to deal with the refugee and migration crisis.

In Vienna I will also discuss OSCE matters. Having taken over the OSCE Chairmanship from Germany, Austria plays a key role in our efforts to stabilise the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine.