Four months into his term, Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Stocker chose Berlin for his first official state visit abroad, where he was hosted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. In a joint press conference, Stocker highlighted the “excellent friendship” between Austria and Germany, saying he had found in Merz “a partner who shares a similar perspective” — especially on issues surrounding asylum and migration.
“Germany and Austria are heading in the same direction,” Stocker said, referencing a recent meeting of “like-minded states” that Merz had attended ahead of the upcoming EU summit in Brussels. “This demonstrates that we are also on the right path at the European level,” he added.
Stocker expressed understanding for Germany’s recent tightening of its migration policy, including turning back asylum seekers at the German-Austrian border. When asked whether these steps might strain bilateral relations, both chancellors rejected the idea. “Austria knows very well — from our experiences in 2015 and 2022 — what migration pressure means,” Stocker noted. 
He emphasized that Austria has been securing its borders since 2015, not as an act of isolation, but as a necessary measure. He also described the current situation at the German-Austrian border as stable and under control.
The Austrian leader also stressed the importance of close coordination between the two countries, particularly among their interior ministries and police forces.
In addition to migration, the two leaders discussed global challenges such as the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Economic concerns were another major focus. Stocker defended Austria’s strict fiscal policies, warning of the ever-present risk of a new financial crisis. “We don’t know when the next crisis will hit, but we must be ready,” he said, calling it a shared European challenge that must be addressed together.
Chancellor Stocker was welcomed in Berlin with full military honors. His visit included a private meeting with Merz and a joint press appearance. Although this was Stocker’s first formal visit abroad, the two chancellors have already met several times, including most recently at the EU summit in Brussels the day before.
Report provided by the official press service of the Berlin conference — Berliner Telegraph. Special coverage from Munich by Anna Stukkert and Aleksandr Boyko.
