The President of Austria in Poland
The President of Austria came to Poland at the invitation of the Polish President who paid an official visit to Austria in June 2008.
After the official greeting took place, the two presidents went to a face-to-face meeting and Polish-Austrian plenary talks, presided over by Lech Kaczyński and Heinz Fischer, followed.
At the press conference which followed the meeting, Lech Kaczyński confirmed what he had said about the Lisbon Treaty. He said that there are "very interesting events" now taking place in the European Union in connection with the Lisbon Treaty and that he discussed them with the President of Austria.
Fischer emphasized that, thanks to the Treaty, the European Union could operate more efficiently.
He said that it will very soon be known whether the Lisbon Treaty will become effective or not. He stressed that, currently, what is going to happen in Ireland is important, as well as events in Poland and the Czech Republic. In his opinion, it is very probable that the Treaty of Lisbon will come into effect.
Fischer also assured the audience that Austria is willing to cooperate with Poland as far as historical issues are concerned. He remarked that his visit closely coincided with the anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War. He said that the fact that there were people from the territory of today's Austria in the Wehrmacht fills him with "great sorrow."
Fischer also said that he would like to propose Lech Kaczyński his help in organising the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship. “Austria already has some experience. A month ago, when I paid a visit to Ukraine, the president of the country was also interested in this matter. We are at your disposal, if only you consider us a partner in the discussions," he said.
In the evening, in the Presidential Palace, President Lech Kaczyński and his wife held an official dinner for the First Couple of Austria.
The schedule of the visit also included placing a wreath at the Tomb to the Unknown Soldier, a meeting with the President of the Council of Ministers and opening a Polish-Austrian Economic Forum in the Hilton hotel.
Heinz Fischer has already visited Poland four times during his incumbency. He played an important role in the development of Polish-Austrian relationships, particularly in the parliamentary sphere. He supported the creation of the Poland-Austria Parliamentary Forum and participated in its activity. He consistently supported the membership of Poland in the European Union.