(ANSA) - ROME - ''Austria wants to make its contribution to the EU: our priority is our citizens' security of our citizens: we must continue the fight against radicalization, terrorism and illegal immigration, and safeguard Europe's external borders'', said Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

Kurz assured that ''Austria will not be part of the Visegrad group, since our country can create bridges in Europe to reduce tensions''. Kurz then said he is ''particularly happy'' that France's president Macron ''has called for the protection of the EU's external borders. We should resolve the migration issue together''. The chancellor then explained his views on the need to stop the allocation of migrants within the European Union.

''We should act before the migrants arrive, by helping people in their country of origin. If this is not possible, we need to help them in the neighbouring countries. And if this is also impossible, we to have help them in safe areas on their continent. The European Union should support these areas, even by organizing them and protecting them militarily, if necessary''. (ANSA).