Budget, US Tariffs: Marterbauer at Working Meeting with Van der Bellen

Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) and Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen agreed that the US tariffs represented an additional burden for the domestic and European economy.

US Tariffs: Europe Must Stand on Its "Hind Legs"

"For Austria as an export-oriented country in the heart of Europe, the transatlantic axis to the USA - our second most important trading partner worldwide - is very significant," explained Van der Bellen. Europe must now work together to ensure the "best possible solution." Marterbauer also emphasized: The European continent must now stand on its "hind legs." "Europe's strength is the combination of a large and functioning economic system and well-developed welfare states."

But the consolidation of the budget was also a topic. The careful handling of the state budget and its consolidation is a "particularly responsible and exhausting task," said Van der Bellen. This requires a "view of the whole" and balancing different interests. Marterbauer identified the weak economic development as a cause, which negatively affects the budgets of the federal, state, and local governments. A "nationwide effort" is now needed, Marterbauer emphasized once again. Everyone will have to contribute to this, said the Finance Minister.

(APA/Red)

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