Money for integration

SPÖ Vienna puts EU at the center of its party conference

Mayor Michael Ludwig presents the main motion at the provincial party conference - the focus here is on the EU election campaign.(Bild: HANS PUNZ / APA / picturedesk.com)

On April 20, the Vienna Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) will go to its national party conference with a thick list of demands. European solutions for Vienna's problems will be sought.

On April 20, the Vienna SPÖ will meet for its national party conference. The "Krone" has received the main motion. In the shadow of the EU elections, it is - unsurprisingly - all about the European Union. On several pages, the Viennese Social Democrats formulate a thick bundle of demands to Brussels.

Bringing companies to Europe
The central points in this are, for example, health, housing and integration. And in these areas, European solutions are being sought for Viennese problems. For example, the Vienna SPÖ is calling for the (re)establishment of research, development and production as well as the promotion of innovations in essential medicines to prevent further shortages of medicines. The revision of the patent system for publicly funded research and development, which prevents the privatization of profits, is also being proposed.

Countries should train more doctors
The SPÖ also wants to tackle the shortage of doctors at European level. As countries such as France and Germany do not train enough doctors themselves, a stop is to be put to this. A minimum number of study places across Europe, taking into account national needs, should prevent a brain drain.

More money to cover the costs of integration
The same applies to housing: The SPÖ is calling for a Europe-wide housing offensive with a pooling of European and national donors to cover the urgent need for affordable housing.

Not to be left alone with the refugee movement
Cities should not be left alone to deal with the accommodation of refugees. Under the heading "Respectful coexistence and cohesion", the Vienna SPÖ is calling for an improvement in EU immigration regulations for skilled workers. There should also be more money for integration and development costs. This is intended to provide cities and regions with financial support for integration costs and municipal development costs.