Four years of war in Ukraine - Austria and Europe bear more responsibility than ever before

On the fourth anniversary of Russia's attack on Ukraine, which violated international law, the pan-European party Volt stands firmly alongside Ukraine and calls for Hungary to be stripped of its voting rights in order to finally end Viktor Orbán's policy of blocking sanctions against Russia.

For four years, Ukraine has been defending not only its own country, but also the fundamental values of our continent: freedom, democracy and the right to decide its own future. Four years of suffering, destruction and loss, but also four years of impressive steadfastness and unbroken hope.

For Volt, one thing is clear: our solidarity with Ukraine is irrevocable. The Ukrainian people are part of our European family. Their struggle is also our struggle, because supporting Ukraine also ensures our own security in Austria and Europe.

Europe must finally start thinking about security and defence as a whole. We need a European army!

says Rico Winter, co-president of Volt Austria.

Austria and Europe have assumed responsibility. But this responsibility does not end there. We must continue to support Ukraine politically, economically, humanitarily and militarily. For as long as necessary and as effectively as possible.

This also includes maintaining consistent pressure on the Russian regime. Sanctions are necessary and must be enforced quickly. It is unacceptable that individual governments are blocking Europe's ability to act.

We therefore call for the abolition of the unanimity principle on key foreign and security policy issues, clear consequences for governments that block European decisions, including the withdrawal of voting rights for Viktor Orbán's Hungary, and a clear call on Slovakia to stop blindly supporting Hungary's blockade policy.

If individual governments continue to sabotage common European interests, further steps, including possible exclusion from the EU as a last resort, must be considered.

At the same time, Europe needs the courage to finally take action. Volt demands:

• the seizure of frozen Russian assets

• massive investment in European and Ukrainian defence capabilities

• a clear perspective for Ukraine's accession to the EU.

Four years of war must not dull our senses. They must shake us awake.

Europe stands together – today more than ever.
For Ukraine. For freedom. For our shared future.

About Volt

Volt is the pan-European political movement working for a united, sustainable Europe. With policies based on innovation, sustainability and social justice, Volt focuses on concrete solutions that draw on European best practices and are adapted to national circumstances. Volt advocates for a modern, cosmopolitan society in which the challenges of the future are tackled together and without ideological barriers.