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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That’s what ‘no distinction’ means. Members have agreed to assist in case one of them are attacked, regardless of who’s doing the attacking. There’s a grey area if you can’t make the case for which party being the definite aggressor, but if the US were invading it would be pretty damn obvious.
To an impartial observer, sure. To a politician or a diplomat, that’s malleable. And, there’s a very strong incentive to find a way not to fight them.
I don’t know, do you think Europe would intervene on our behalf just under article 5, personally?
I would like to think so, but I’m some internet rando speculating on some unlikely foreign policy so my opinion here is worth less than the electrons it’s transmitting to your eyeballs.
I really hope you’re right.