The majority of people would initially flee to neighboring countries, “but of course we are also prepared,” said Karner on Sunday before a meeting with his EU counterparts in Brussels.
“I ask you not to talk about quotas, but that we help people who are fleeing Putin’s attack,” Karner replied to a journalist’s question about mandatory quotas for the distribution of refugees. “Austria is prepared accordingly and will help where necessary.”
In Austria, “corresponding quarters are currently being prepared,” said Karner, with a view to cooperation with the federal states, aid organizations and communities. A central contact point has also been set up in the Ministry of the Interior for people who want to help. “Aid works best when it’s coordinated.”
The Minister of the Interior emphasized that Ukrainians are allowed to stay freely in Austria for 90 days. It is mostly women, young and older people who are fleeing, and those “we want and will help”.
Source: Nachrichten
