Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-002710/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Matjaž Nemec (S&D)
The provincial parliament of the Austrian province of Styria has adopted a proposal by the ruling Freedom Party (FPÖ), a member of the Patriots Group, and the People’s Party (ÖVP), a member of the EPP Group, to include the controversial Dachsteinlied in the law on provincial symbols.
The song is controversial for Slovenia because the lyrics, which date from the 19th century, refer to the land of Austrian Styria extending ‘to the banks of the Sava and the Drava’, in other words to encompass present-day Slovenian territory.
By adopting this measure, the provincial government and parliament have taken a step in the direction of nationalist rhetoric, historical revisionism and politically motivated provocation, contrary to the fundamental principles and values of the European Union, including the principle of sincere cooperation between Member States, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Laws that can be understood as an expression of territorial claims or encroachment on the territorial integrity of another Member State have no place in the EU.
- 1.Is the Commission aware of the adoption of this law and of its content?
- 2.Is the law compatible with the values and legal order of the EU, in particular the principles of sincere cooperation and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Member States?
- 3.What steps does the Commission intend to take to ensure that Austria respects its obligations under the Treaties, and is the Commission considering initiating infringement proceedings before the Court of Justice of the EU?
Submitted: 2.7.2025