It has been a long time since Austrian lawyer and politician of Czech descent Elisabeth Hlavac served in the European Parliament or in Austria’s Federal and National Councils. But she certainly hasn’t stepped away from politics. She remains highly active within the Association of Former Parliamentarians of the Member States of the Council of Europe and would be pleased to welcome Czech and Slovak politicians into its ranks.
You have been nominated to the presidium of the Assocation. What is currently its main contribution to Europe and Europeans?
The Association of Former Parliamentarians of the Member States of the European Council (FP-AP) is an international organization based in France. The members are national associations of former parlamentarians that are committed to enhancing democracy in Europe and bolstering the cooperation between former politicians from as many countries as possible. Regular meetings are held where topics of general interest are discussed and resolutions adopted that are then sent to the national parliaments as well as to the Parliamentary Assembly of the European Council.
What does the nomination mean to you personally?
It is, of course, a great honor for me. The Austrian delegation is very active, Austrian delegates have acted as rapporteurs and introduced texts for resolutions dealing will topics such as the suppression of women in Iran or the war in Ukraine.
How has the role of the Association changed since it was founded in 1994, does it reflect current events and trends in Europe, be it security issues, migration, etc.?
Yes, the FP-AP observes developments and pronounces opinions at seminars and in statements. In the beginning it was a rather informal forum but it became more active. The main purpose of organizations of former parliamentarians is to cooperate with politicians from different political groups and parties. The political climate in many countries is bad, there is no fair discourse between parties. We think, that there should be better communication and cooperation. Europe is facing major problems, such as migration, climate change, competition from distant countries, etc. We all have to deal with them if Europe does not want to become second-class. We believe that in working together in a fair and honest way, we could contribute to a better climate in our countries and in Europe.
How often do member organizations meet, what is the subject of such meetings?
There is an annual General Assembly in Paris and two other meetings in spring and autumn. At these meetings, resolutions concerning current problems may be discussed and adopted. At the autumn session, a longer text is adopted, which is discussed for a year or more and for which a rapporteur is elected. The next workshop in September will deal with the seas and the implications of climate change. We also dealt with migration several times and the problem of numerous migrants sticking together and refusing to learn the local language as well as having a different culture that makes it difficult to integrate them.
Although the Council of Europe currently has 46 members, the FP-AP only has 22 member countries. Why is that?
It is true that almost all the western European countries and many from the south are members of FP-AP, but there is a lack of central and eastern European countries. In my opinion, the primary issue is that these countries often have no national association of former parliamentarians. This is likely due to there being too many changes within the last 30 years, too many parties coming and going. I find this very unfortunate; I think it would be good for the Association to have more cooperation with countries that have overcome communism and have different problems and different opinions, perhaps more realistic ones. Both sides would profit from an open and positive exchange of opinions and experience. But only national groups comprising at least two parties can become members. The first thing that needs to happen is the establishment of a national group with a statute, elections, funds, etc.
Poland is the only post-communist country represented in the FP-AP. Do you have a vision how to support the establishment of membership organizations in the Czech Republic?
You are right, only Poland is a full member of the FP-AP. We are aware of this fact, which is very unsatisfactory. This is the reason why I was nominated – to support a change. As my family originates from what is now the Czech Republic and part of my family still lives here, it is my wish to help establish associations in Czechia and Slovakia. That is my priority. As I said before, only organizations, not individuals, can become members of the FP-AP. Therefore, we have to establish an organization with members of at least two different parties. I have some contacts in Prague already, but I think nothing substantial will happen before the general elections in autumn. In Slovakia I don't have any partners yet. I would be happy to hear from former parliamentarians or perhaps even active ones from both countries at my email address – [email protected]. I am also interested in connecting with active parliamentarians because it is difficult to establish a national association without the help of heads of parliament as you need a room for meetings, a secretary if possible, and financing.
As a politician, you have worked at all levels of politics, both on the domestic scene and on the European one. Which position was the most interesting one?
That is difficult to say. Every level has its advantages. On the communal level you have the closest contact with people. The European Parliament is fascinating but it is a world of its own. My greatest successes were as SPÖ spokesperson in the National Council.
At the “North-South Parliamentary Dialogue” project, which fosters partnership between the Austrian Parliament and national parliaments in southern Africa.
CV BOX
Elisabeth Hlavac (born February 25, 1952, in Vienna) is an Austrian politician.
She graduated as Doctor of Law from the University of Vienna in 1976. She first became a member of the SPÖ, the Austrian Social Democratic Party, in her home district of Vienna Döbling, where she was elected district counsellor in 1978. She became a member of the Federal Council in 1988 and member of the National Council in 1989.
After the accession of Austria to the EU, she was appointed to the European Parliament, where she stayed for almost two years. From 1996 to 2008 she was a national parliamentarian again, primarily as a member of the National Council. She held high positions in the SPÖ both in Vienna and on the federal level.
Now she is first vice president of the Austrian Association of Former Parliamentarians.
She is married and lives alternately in Vienna and Prague.
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