Austria's Foreign Minister Spindelegger Speaks at Harvard University

© BMeiAOn September 24, 2012 Austrian Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger spoke about the strengths and future perspectives of the Euro and the European Union as well as Austria’s role in today’s world at Harvard University. Spindelegger emphasized the close-knit relationship between the EU and the United States. According to Mr. Spindelegger, the economic and political power of the EU and the United States put "us at the center of the international system". This circumstance, Spindelegger stated, "gives us special responsibility."

When talking about Austria’s role in the international community, Spindelegger claimed that countries – irrespective of their geographic size – can score in the multilateral environment by being smart and flexible and by specializing in specific issues.

According to Vice-Chancellor Spindelegger, Austria does not have to shy the limelight of the international and European stage. "Austria may be small, but in terms of its economy and the resources produced by the country and its people, we outperform many larger nations."