Security summit on the Gumpendorf Belt: What happens now?

Security summit on the Gumpendorf Belt: What happens now?

In Vienna, the drug problem around the Gumpendorfer Belt and the U6 station is increasingly causing a stir. The Jedmayer addiction treatment center has also come into focus. Despite the urgent need to take action, the announced security summit has not yet taken place. Political representatives from the ÖVP and FPÖ loudly express their displeasure with the current status quo. “We finally have to act and need clear answers,” emphasizes the chairman of the ÖVP, while the FPÖ is campaigning for the Jedmayer center to be relocated to the outskirts of the city in order to defuse the situation, as Kurier reports.

The security issue seems more urgent than ever. The ÖVP is calling for the security summit to be held quickly in October and is proposing various measures. This includes the establishment of protection zones, the regular cleaning of subway stations and parks as well as the installation of emergency call points and video surveillance in order to increase both safety and the feeling of security in public spaces.

Political discussions and internal conversations

The Mariahilf district council confirms that ongoing discussions are taking place with the police. However, no security summit has yet been scheduled. The Addiction and Drug Coordination Center of the City of Vienna reports an intensified professional exchange, but so far there have been no visible results. The Vienna State Police Directorate also held a first internal meeting with various stakeholders, although details remain largely unknown.

The current situation is reflected in the plans to promote a policy of tolerance, integration and inclusion. As described on the website of sdw.wien, the strategic goals in Vienna include supporting the integration of addicted people into the addiction and drug support network and increasing social security in public spaces. These goals require comprehensive cooperation from all relevant partners.

The role of public space

Public space in Vienna offers free access to all citizens and is a central part of the city's quality of life. The “Public Spaces and Security” area works to ensure socially acceptable coexistence and increase the feeling of security. Measures such as needs assessments in collaboration with partners and effective complaint management are crucial here.

But it is precisely this social cohesion that is threatened by the acute drug problems in the Gumpendorf belt. The organizations involved are working on solutions, but the path remains challenging. “We have to take the right steps to keep our city worth living in,” a representative of the addiction and drug support network is quoted as saying. Against this background, many Viennese remember the Enquete 2022, which aimed at shaping the future of urban life with the title “Visions for public space – taking innovative paths together”. There remains hope for an early security summit, but many experts believe that it will only realistically take place towards the end of the year.

Citizens are looking forward to developments as political discussions continue. Clear measures are needed to address the challenges and make the Gumpendorf Belt a place of togetherness again.