The EPP President, Wilfried Martens, has today welcomed the formation of the new coalition Government in Austria, which includes the Austrian People’s Party, a member of the EPP.

In particular, Martens congratulated Josef Proell, acting Chairman of the party, who became Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister, taking over from Wilhelm Molterer.

Following the euro-scepticism demonstrated by the Austrian Socialist Party (SPO) during the whole election campaign, Martens pointed out that the presence of the Austrian People's Party (OVP) would "guarantee the further involvement and active participation of Austria within the European Union."

“I am convinced that Mr. Pröll will play a decisive role in the new Government and in the debates at European level in order to deal with the important problems such as the current economic crisis - a priority for the EPP.

I am looking forward to working with him in the forthcoming meetings, starting with the EPP Summit on 11 December in Brussels,” said Martens.