Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger has called the discussion in Austria about the possibility of joining NATO “useful” against the backdrop of Russia’s increasingly aggressive policy. At the same time, she acknowledged that the majority of Austrians are now against Austria joining the North Atlantic alliance.
“One thing is clear: neutrality alone does not protect us. What really protects Austria in an increasingly unstable international environment and an increasingly aggressive Russia is investment in its own defence capabilities, and B partnerships. I am generally very open to starting a public debate on Austria’s future in the security and defence sector. Although there is no majority in parliament or among the population in favour of joining NATO right now, such a discussion could be very useful,” the minister told Die Welt.
“We can’t just sit back and say: if we don’t touch anyone, no one will touch us either. That would be naive… We are doing everything we can to support a common European security and defence policy – financially, with military participation and politically. Austria’s neutrality has thus changed tangibly since joining the EU in 1995,” added Beate Meinl Reisinger.
Austria declared its neutrality in 1955 after the Allied withdrawal. The neutral status of the Austrian state is enshrined in the country’s constitution. Austria cooperates with NATO through the Partnership for Peace programme.