Austria's Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger has called for a more united and self-reliant Europe to address growing global challenges.

Speaking at her first EU summit, she emphasized the need for Europe to strengthen its defense capabilities and reduce reliance on external powers like the U.

S. The EU has proposed an €800 billion plan to bolster its security, with Meinl-Reisinger supporting the initiative while reaffirming Austria's neutrality.

She stressed that Europe's security cannot be negotiated without its active involvement, particularly in the context of the Ukraine conflict.

Meinl-Reisinger also highlighted the importance of maintaining the rule of law over power-based politics, urging European unity to counter external threats.