Due to current events, the war in Ukraine and its effects were the focus of the working discussions. National Council President Irène Kälin and Austrian National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka strongly condemned the attacks on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and expressed their full solidarity with the Ukrainian people. They emphasised that close and friendly relations among like-minded nations have become even more important in view of the global political situation.
During the working meetings, participants discussed the steps that Switzerland and Austria have taken since the Ukraine war began, specifically the economic sanctions against Russia, the need to reduce dependence on Russian commodities, and the acceptance and support of Ukrainian refugees. They also discussed the two countries' principle of neutrality and the courses of action that this allows for. Other topics included the role of parliaments in times of crisis and relations between Switzerland and the European Union.
The president of the Austrian National Council also used his stay in Bern to pay a courtesy visit to Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter, the head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police.
Switzerland and Austria have established regular contact between their National Council presidents in recent years, especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has become a tradition for the president of the Austrian National Council to visit Switzerland in the spring, and a return visit to Austria is planned for the second half of the year.
National Council President Irène Kälin welcomes the president of the Austrian National Council in front of the Three Confederates statue in the parliament building.
In the working meeting, National Council President Irène Kälin emphasises the close and friendly relations between the two countries.
Thomas Hefti, president of the Council of States, joins a discussion on relations between Switzerland and the European Union.
Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter receives National Council President Sobotka for a courtesy visit.
Switzerland and Austria have established regular contact between their National Council presidents in recent years.
More pictures of the visit can be found in the
photo library