Austria’s Foreign Minister advocates for a discussion on the limits of neutrality, emphasizing the need for stronger defense amid rising global tensions.

Austria’s Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger has called for an open discussion on the country’s long-standing neutrality, stating that it no longer guarantees national security in the face of growing geopolitical instability and an increasingly aggressive Russia.

In an interview with Die Welt, Meinl-Reisinger emphasized that neutrality alone does not protect Austria and pointed to the importance of strengthening defense capabilities and deepening international partnerships. “Austria is protected by investment in its own defense capacities and in its partnerships,” she said.

The minister’s remarks follow a proposal by Emil Brix, Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, suggesting that Austria consider joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Meinl-Reisinger expressed support for a public debate on the issue, acknowledging that the current political and public majority remains opposed to NATO membership.

…

Meinl-Reisinger also addressed Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, stating that Ukraine seeks peace, while Russia continues its campaign of aggression. She added that if Russian leader Vladimir Putin were genuinely interested in peace, he would have engaged in ceasefire negotiations.

…

  • plyth@feddit.orgEnglish
    320·
    4 days ago

    Btw, countries don’t apply but are invited.

    The Parties may, by unanimous agreement, invite any other European State in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area to accede to this Treaty.

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enlargement_of_NATO

    They don’t “pressure” Austria to join, as well as Nato didn’t pressure Finland and Sweden to join. Finland and Sweden wanted to join because of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

    Especially Finland makes sense, even though they are also protected by article 42. But that motivation is not transferable to Austria.

    There is no believable motivation for Austria. Consequently there must be another incentive.

    • Hotznplotzn@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
      18·
      4 days ago

      @[email protected]

      Btw, countries don’t apply but are invited.

      This is false.

      As was, for example, the case with Finland’s application back in 2022 (and very much with all other Nato members’ applications), the new member sign up works as follows:

      Once a country expresses its desire to join the alliance (and only then, ed.), the [Nato] member states assess the request and decide if they want to invite the aspirant to begin accession talks. If they do issue the invitation (after the country expressed its desire to join, ed.), the process officially begins and technical talks are launched in Brussels between specialised teams.

      Regarding your comment:

      There is no believable motivation for Austria. Consequently there must be another incentive.

      This is false.

      Austria’s motivation is the Rising Russian Threat. It’s in the headline. The reason is Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine, namely the full-scale invasion that started in 2022.

      Addition:

      Btw, Ex-Nato head George Robertson said Putin wanted to join alliance in the early 2000s but did not want to wait in line with ‘countries that don’t matter’

      Vladimir Putin wanted Russia to join Nato but did not want his country to have to go through the usual application process and stand in line “with a lot of countries that don’t matter”, according to a former secretary general of the transatlantic alliance.

      George Robertson, a former Labour defence secretary who led Nato between 1999 and 2003, said Putin made it clear at their first meeting that he wanted Russia to be part of western Europe. “They wanted to be part of that secure, stable prosperous west that Russia was out of at the time,” he said […]

      • General_Effort@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        3 days ago

        Ex-Nato head George Robertson said Putin wanted to join alliance in the early 2000s but did not want to wait in line with ‘countries that don’t matter’

        That’s russian propaganda. Putin’s Russia demanded a “veto-right” over military action. Such a thing does not exist in NATO. The very idea is bonkers, as it would mean denying the right to collective self-defense. Even then, Putin acted in bad faith.

      • plyth@feddit.orgEnglish
        219·
        4 days ago

        Austria’s motivation is the Rising Russian Threat. It’s in the headline.

        And I am questioning that headline. It doesn’t make sense for Austria. Austria is surrounded by Nato members and has Article 42 protection. Nato cannot offer more security while Austria enters the obligation to defend America, Canada and Türkiye. What does Nato offer?

        • Hotznplotzn@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
          181·
          4 days ago

          Sweden is also surrounded by Nato members. Denmark, too. The Netherlands. Belgium. France (with the exception of Switzerland). Your argument doesn’t hold.

          Austria’s motivation is the Rising Russian Threat. It’s in the headline.

          What does Nato offer?

          Best thing is you look it up yourself: www. nato.int

          • plyth@feddit.orgEnglish
            114·
            4 days ago

            Sweden shares a body of water with Russia, so there is some sense. For the others, remember that defence against a potentially dangerous Germany was needed.

            Please name one scenario in which Austria is safer in Nato. I only see more obligations and a higher risk of first strikes by giving up neutrality.

            • Hotznplotzn@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
              11·
              4 days ago

              For the others, remember that defence against a potentially dangerous Germany was needed.

              Wow, what an analysis.

              In my view, the Rising Russian Threat is far bigger in any scenario. This is why Austria reconsiders Nato membership.

                  • plyth@feddit.orgEnglish
                    112·
                    4 days ago

                    Nato stationing nuclear bombers in Austria to spread the first strike targets for Russia.