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.
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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.
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True for many countries but not Austria. Nato would be massively losing if Russia manages to reach Austria. In that case being neutral should be better.
First, you say that Russia is no threat to Austria. Now you reverse everything and say the opposite. Once again, you are arguing in bad faith.
If! There is no scenario where Austria is threatened.
I have seen very clever comments from you. Don’t pretend that you don’t understand this.
Everyone is threatened by Russia, bro. This is not hard to grasp.
It’s easy to believe because we always had that propaganda. Yet there is no scenario where Austria is threatened in a way that requires Nato membership. I have asked several times for scenarios, you always evaded.