National Council President Sobotka in exchange with the new Slovakian National Council President Pellegrini

2023-12-04 21:00:14

Topics of the conversation: Bilateral relations, artificial intelligence, fake news and Hamas

Vienna (PK) – National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka today received the new Slovakian National Council President Peter Pellegrini for his first visit to the Austrian Parliament. In a conversation, they discussed common bilateral relations, the consequences of artificial intelligence and fake news on democracy. The two counterparts also discussed the current situation in Ukraine and the Hamas terror.

Excellent bilateral relations

Sobotka and Pellegrini initially emphasized the excellent bilateral relationship and the importance of good neighborly relations, but also wished for further intensification. Sobotka emphasized that we are working together successfully on different topics at different levels, as well as within the framework of the EU strategy for the Danube region, and announced a parliamentary speaker’s conference under the Austrian presidency for March 2024. The two counterparts also found a current project to process and present the common history of the two neighboring countries particularly important.

Fake news and deep fakes are dangerous for democracies

In view of fake news and deep fakes, the two interviewees were concerned about the consequences of artificial intelligence for democracy. Both agreed that the European Union would react too late and too slowly with legal regulation. Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel also showed the consequences of fake news and disinformation on social media, given the many demonstrations in several countries, said Sobotka.

Illegale Migration

Pellegrini reported to Sobotka about Slovakia’s increased measures against illegal migration and to secure its external borders. It is important to combat illegal migration as well as all forms of human trafficking and smuggling, emphasized Sobotka. Given the migration problems, Sobotka was skeptical about expanding the Schengen area. (End) shhh

A NOTICE: Photos of this visit can be found in the Parliament web portal .

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