About: Christian Kern

Austrian ex-chancellor Kern to run for centre-left Spitzenkandidat

As expected, opposition leader Christian Kern said yesterday (18 September) he would run as top candidate for the Austrian Social Democrats in the European Parliament elections next year, aiming to help build a strong counterweight to growing nationalist forces.

Austria’s ex-Chancellor Kern as Spitzenkandidat?

Ahead of the 2019 European elections, there are considerations whether former Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern could become a Spitzenkandidat for the Austrian SPÖ for the European election campaign. EURACTIV Germany reports from Vienna.

Migration row mars EU summit, exposes divides

EU leaders ended the first day of the end-of-year European Council summit with no sign of tensions thawing amid recent disagreements on migration, which have once again exposed divides between eastern members and 'old Europe'.

Austria makes progress in government formation

Unlike in Germany, Austrian coalition negotiations have progressed much further. The FPÖ insists on an "equal footing" in the talks, while the ÖVP wants to have everything signed, sealed and delivered before the Christmas break. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Austria’s Kurz hopes to form government by Christmas

Austria's likely next chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, wants talks over a new government to last no more than two months, he said in a newspaper interview published on Sunday (22 October).

Austria’s far-right stakes claim to interior ministry ahead of coalition talks

Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) yesterday (18 October) named control of the interior ministry as its price for joining a future coalition government following its strong showing in a parliamentary election.

EU holds breath after Austrian vote

Reactions from the European Commission and Council presidents are still pending following the early parliamentary elections held in Austria on Sunday (15 October), the nightmare outcome of which could be a coalition between the centre-right and the far-right.

Tax fight draws divisions at EU digital summit

Supporters of a controversial new push to tax tech giants insist they will overcome fierce opposition from a group of around 10 member states.

Austria’s leaders reject Juncker’s vision for eurozone expansion

Austria’s Social Democrat Chancellor Christian Kern and conservative Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz today (14 September) rejected European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker’s vision to expand eastward the euro and a border control free zone.

Czechs in favour of deeper integration, but shun the euro

The Czech Republic wants to be in the EU’s “core”, but without the common currency. Prague wants to focus on common defence instead. EURACTIV.cz reports.

Macron calls for a ‘radical reform’ of Europe

The French and Austrian heads of state shared their views on EU workers from low-pay countries and on the future of the EU during a summit in Vienna. EURACTIV France reports.

Merkel calls UK offer on citizens’ rights a ‘good start’

Angela Merkel gave a subdued nod but no outright approval to British Prime Minister Theresa May's proposal to protect EU citizens' rights after Brexit, pouring cold water on May's promise of a “generous” offer on one of the most sensitive issues in the divorce talks.

Austrian Socialists on verge of breaking far-right coalition taboo

The Austrian Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) is on the verge of breaking a long-standing taboo on forming political alliances with the far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ). EURACTIV Germany reports.

Austria calls October election, far-right FPÖ could enter government

Austria's main parties agreed to hold an early parliamentary election on 15 October, Chancellor Christian Kern said yesterday (16 May), in a vote that might bring the far-right Freedom Party into government.

Austria heads for snap election as coalition shatters

Austria's youthful foreign minister took over as leader of the country's main conservative party on Sunday (14 May) and called for a snap parliamentary election that centre-left Chancellor Christian Kern admitted he could not prevent.

Austrian Socialists consider ending ban on far-right alliances

Austria's ruling Social Democrats are responding to rising anti-establishment sentiment in a way that would be unthinkable in most European nations, by moving towards lifting a self-imposed ban on coalitions with the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ).

Austria moves to formally ban Erdogan from campaigning on its soil

Austria's parliament is set to decide on whether or not to formally ban foreign politicians from campaigning on its territory. EURACTIV Germany reports.

NATO urges Turkey, Austria to end spat blocking programmes

NATO urged Turkey and Austria today (15 March) to settle a dispute over Ankara's EU membership bid, which has led Turkey to block cooperation with the alliance's partner countries.

Merkel rejects Erdogan’s ‘absurd’ Nazi comparison, calls for calm

Germany rejected as "absurd" yesterday (6 March) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's comparison of its ban on several rallies to the Nazi era, but it also stressed the importance of ties between the two NATO allies in an attempt to defuse an escalating war of words.

Austria and Germany call on EU to close ranks

A meeting between the Austrian and German foreign ministers in Vienna yesterday (27 February) revealed where the two countries are aligned and where they aren’t on the same page. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Austria to reward companies for hiring locals

Austria's coalition government approved new employment rules today (21 February) to ensure workers already in the country are given priority for new jobs over potential immigrants from other EU states in an attempt to halt an increase in unemployment.

Austrian Chancellor Kern says breakthrough on posted workers ‘decisive’

Chancellor Christian Kern defended Austria's push for a law to prevent social dumping from poorer EU countries after a meeting with Jean-Claude Juncker where Austria's demand for childcare benefit cuts for EU foreigners took centre stage.

Austrian petition calls for Vienna to hold referendum on EU trade deals

An Austrian petition launched by opponents of a number of EU trade deals has exceeded the number of signatures needed to guarantee it is debated in parliament. The petition calls on Austria's leaders to hold a referendum on the agreements. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Austrian coalition deal includes ban on Muslim face veils

Austria plans to ban the Muslim face veil in public places, the centrist coalition government said today (30 January) as it announced a package of policies aimed at countering the growing appeal of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ).