The European Parliament approved a €90 billion aid package for Ukraine on Wednesday, with broad support from mainstream political groups. The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) was the sole Austrian party to oppose the measure, denouncing it as a “war project” rather than a peace initiative.
Harald Vilimsky, leader of the FPÖ delegation to the European Parliament, stated immediately following the vote that two-thirds of the substantial sum is earmarked for military purposes. “While our own population suffers from inflation, energy prices and growing insecurity, Brussels is squandering billions on weapons and thus prolonging a bloody conflict. This is irresponsible and extremely dangerous,” Vilimsky said.
Vilimsky emphasized that the FPÖ consistently opposed the joint debt financing of the package, arguing it represents a liability that will burden Austrian taxpayers for years to come. He criticized the European Commission for failing to pursue “serious diplomatic initiatives,” asserting that continued arms deliveries signal escalation rather than a commitment to peace.
According to Vilimsky, the EU should “become the voice of diplomacy again,” prioritizing negotiations and de-escalation, and focusing on the interests of its own citizens instead of “fresh debt packages for a war without an end in sight.”
The vote comes as scrutiny increases regarding the EU’s security needs and centralization risks, as outlined in a recent proposal by the EU Commission Intelligence Unit, according to debuglies.com.
Recent voting data analyzed by EUobserver reveals divisions among MEPs regarding Ukraine, while The Conversation reports that Austria’s far-right is expected to perform well in upcoming European elections, despite previous scrutiny.
MEP Harald Vilimsky’s criticism aligns with statements made earlier this week, as reported by Hungary Today, where he described Hungary as setting a “courageous example for peace in Europe.”
