Statement on Austrian Parliament's Anti-BDS Bill

TFI Press Release

Statement on Austrian Parliament's Anti-BDS Bill

Vienna, 27 February 2020 - The Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI) group welcomed the Austrian parliament’s condemnation of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, urging the Austrian government and other EU member states to heed the resolution’s call. Supported by all political groups, the resolution asked the Austrian government to fight all forms of antisemitism, including Israel-related antisemitism, denounce the BDS movement, and prohibit any state funding or use of state facilities by BDS or other antisemitic groups that question Israel’s right to exist.

“The Austrian parliament’s historic decision today to condemn any boycotts of Israeli goods shows that Austria stands on the side of Israel – not half-heartedly, but with full conviction. Israel is Europe’s key partner in the Middle East for security, economic cooperation and job creation, and shares our fundamental values of the rule of law and democracy,” said Austrian Member of the European Parliament Lukas Mandl.

„Austria’s partnership with Israel is a shining example for other European countries to follow. But we need to go even further and set a positive agenda with the Jewish state, both in Vienna and in Brussels. We must urgently hold an EU-Israel Association Council which inexplicably hasn’t been convened since 2012. What’s more, the Association Agreement facilitating free trade with Israel needs to be updated and deepened,” added Mandl who is the Chair of the TFI group in the European Parliament.

The Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI) is a cross-party, inter-parliamentary group committed to strengthening the trilateral partnership between the United States, Israel, and Europe.