The European Parliament and the Council of Ministers have adopted a resolution on the situation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

The Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) celebrated its 70th anniversary on Saturday with a high-profile event in Vienna’s Hofburg palace, drawing criticism from the ruling People's Party (ÖVP). The FPÖ's choice of guests included figures from far-right parties across Europe, such as Germany's AfD leadership duo Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, the Netherlands' PVV leader Geert Wilders, and Hungary's former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This gathering sparked controversy, particularly among Austria's political establishment, which viewed the selection as emblematic of the FPÖ's continued alignment with extremist ideologies.

The event took place on the iconic Stephansplatz, a central location in Vienna's historic city center, where the FPÖ staged a festive celebration featuring performances by singer Roberto Blanco. The area was heavily occupied by trucks and staging equipment, transforming the space into a stage for the party's birthday festivities. Meanwhile, tourists struggled to take photos of the Stephansdom due to the crowded conditions. The FPÖ used this prominent venue to showcase its influence and ideological stance, reinforcing its image as a major player in Austrian politics despite ongoing scrutiny over its historical ties to fascism.

In response to the FPÖ's celebrations, the ÖVP released a list of "individual cases" involving members of the party, highlighting instances of alleged collaboration with Nazi collaborators or participation in activities deemed offensive to democratic values. These incidents spanned decades, including the involvement of FPÖ founder Anton Reinthaller, who had served under the Nazis during World War II, and former Defense Minister Friedhelm Frischenschlager, who welcomed a convicted war criminal upon his release from Italian custody in 1985. The list also referenced remarks made by former FPÖ leader Jörg Haider, who once described Nazi-era employment policies as "normal," and statements by lawmakers who expressed sympathy for aspects of National Socialism.

Recent years have seen further controversies surrounding the FPÖ, including their attendance at ceremonies honoring Nazi pilots and the use of racially charged language by candidates in local elections. Additionally, several parliamentary assistants of FPÖ representatives were monitored by Austria's constitutional protection agency, raising concerns about potential links to extremist groups. While the ÖVP emphasized that these cases were not comprehensive, they argued that they reflected a pattern of behavior within the party that has persisted over time.

The FPÖ's leadership, led by Herbert Kickl, defended the guest list, describing the attendees as "significant patriotic politicians in Europe." Kickl expressed hope for future collaborations with these leaders, framing them as allies in promoting national sovereignty and traditional values. However, critics argue that such associations undermine Austria's commitment to democracy and human rights, especially given the country's history of authoritarian rule.

Political analysts note that the FPÖ continues to gain support in public opinion polls, partly due to its strong presence in regional elections and its appeal to voters disillusioned with mainstream politics. Recent meetings between former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Kickl suggest a possible shift in political dynamics, though the implications remain unclear. As the party marks another decade of activity, its actions continue to provoke debate over its role in modern Austrian society and its adherence to democratic principles.