Conference on European values, rule of law, security

Austria wants to use its Presidency of the Council of the European Union to contribute to a resilient and sustainable EU security union that is aligned with citizen concerns. The promotion and protection of the values on which the Union is based are essential prerequisites for enabling the citizens to lead a self-determined life in freedom and security.

Today, the European Union as a community of values finds itself in many respects under pressure. During the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the European Union the main focus will lie on the challenges presented by extremism and terrorism, "political Islam" and antisemitism. Minorities and other vulnerable groups are affected earlier and more severely than society as a whole. This is for instance the case for Jews or Muslims who want to live in freedom and security. Social cohesion and peace in European countries are basically being questioned. As a consequence, the fundamental objective as it is enshrined in the Treaty of the European Union of promoting the values and the wellbeing of its people is becoming more and more important.

Therefore, the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the European Union organises a high-level conference on the topics of "European values, rule of law, security” on 19 and 20 November 2018 in the Grand Hotel Wien. Ministers from the EU member states, renowned international experts as well as representatives of the civil society have been invited to this event. The concrete significance of European values for our freedom and security and the challenges related to these issues will be jointly discussed at this conference.