Babiš: Czechia and Austria agree on strengthening EU competitiveness

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) said after talks in Vienna with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker that both countries share the same view on the need to boost Europe’s competitiveness. Babiš also added that past EU decisions have harmed its industry. Both leaders also agreed on the need to tackle illegal migration.

On energy, Babiš criticised what he sees as high carbon permit prices, while Stocker said that energy costs are the EU’s most urgent concern. The two leaders, however, differed on nuclear power: Austria does not consider it safe, whereas Babiš emphasized that Czechia relies on nuclear energy, noting that Czech energy resources differ from Austria’s.

Stocker further emphasised the importance of Prague-Vienna cooperation, including economic ties and the development of tourism.

During his stay in the Austrian capital, Babiš also visited a school run by the Czech Komenský School Association.