Schüssel warns EPP: EU is "not made for a hostile world"

Schüssel also used the stage in Vienna to sharply criticize ideas of tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel, which in his view were incompatible with Christian Democratic values. He received applause from the EPP delegates for this passage. Thiel is reportedly a co-founder of PayPal and counts among the influential voices in the US technological camp.

Criticism of Peter Thiel and self-criticism

Schüssel clearly exercised self-criticism toward his own political family: Christian Democrats bore co-responsibility for the current situation because state quotas — that is, government spending — lay above 50 percent of gross domestic product in many countries. Over the past six years, this had led to economic stagnation and to citizens holding the state responsible for nearly all areas of life.

Regarding EU enlargement, Schüssel spoke out in favor of a two-stage approach: accession candidates should first join the European Economic Area (EEA) before full membership in the Union was pursued. As conditions for membership, he named clear red lines on corruption, the rule of law, the policy of blocking others, and on understanding how the EU functions.

Enlargement in two stages

In foreign policy terms, Schüssel pointed to the Union's response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine as an example of the EU being capable of acting in crisis situations. Support for Kyiv was evidence that Brussels could indeed act quickly and in unity when this was necessary. At the same time, the Union's fundamental concern remained securing the European peace.

Despite the existing problems, Schüssel continued to describe the EU as a successful project that brought improvements to its citizens. What mattered now was to defend this project against the current challenges and at the same time to bring it closer to the people.

Independent infrastructure as an answer

Schüssel positively highlighted initiatives aimed at strengthening Europe's independence — such as the construction of an independent financial system, European cloud infrastructures, and the promotion of start-ups in the satellite sector. Such measures could reduce dependence on external actors and increase the EU's technological sovereignty.

Finally, Schüssel acknowledged that there was legitimate criticism of the elites, as also voiced by right-wing conservative parties. The Christian Democratic answer to this, however, must not consist in populism but in concrete problem-solving. "Citizens care more about results than problems," said Schüssel with a view to the expectations of voters.

In a personal note, Schüssel described himself self-ironically as a "Viennese Aborigine" and thus a minority — an allusion to his roots in the city of Vienna and to his role as an experienced but no longer incumbent politician. He thereby underscored his concern that the political class had lost contact with the lived reality of many people.

Overall, Schüssel combined his diagnosis of an increasingly hostile world with the appeal to preserve the EU as a peace project while at the same time strengthening its capacity to act, its economic substance, and its closeness to the citizens. His speech was followed in Vienna with great interest and in parts of the EPP provided material for discussion about the future course of the People's Parties in Europe.