Letter has surfaced

Austria’s government wants to move closer to NATO

NATO F-16 jets

(Bild: AFP/Radoslaw Jozwiak)

Austria's government apparently wants to increase its exchange with NATO. Due to the war in Ukraine, the partnership with the alliance is of "growing importance", according to a letter that has now emerged. The opposition speaks of "joining through the back door."

Austria and its perpetual neutrality. A hot potato with no prospect of cooling down. The world has changed since the end of the Cold War, and neutrality has come under even greater scrutiny since the recent war in Europe. The island of the blessed has long since faded, says Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP). The government is investing 16 billion euros in modern combat equipment. Unthinkable just 10 years ago. Now an "attempt at rapprochement" with NATO is causing a stir.

In the form of a two-page letter from Austria and the other neutral states Ireland, Malta and Switzerland. The "Presse" first reported on it. It is about promoting cooperation with the western military alliance. It is about more joint exercises with NATO countries as well as privileged access to documents.

NATO F-16 jets

(Bild: AFP/Radoslaw Jozwiak)

Attacks from blue and red
The FPÖ reacted immediately and indignantly. Defense spokesman Volker Reifenberger: "The ÖVP and Greens are working more and more unabashedly on the abolition of Austrian neutrality." The desire to "intensify exchanges" with NATO is nothing more than a further step towards a military alliance. The ÖVP, however, always emphasizes that there is no question of changing the status. Even if they emphasize - as Tanner recently did in the "Krone" and now also ÖVP Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg - that neutrality alone does not make us safe. 

SPÖ leader Andreas Babler has also moved out. Via X (formerly Twitter), he spoke of an "attempt to ingratiate himself with NATO and a backdoor entry by the Black-Greens". Nehammer was handling the "piece of neutrality" like an armored personnel carrier. The Chancellor, however, emphasizes at every opportunity that there is no debate on neutrality. The Green coalition partner advocates an active neutrality policy and emphasizes the necessity of neutral countries. The NEOS, who are propagating the "United States of Europe" in the EU election campaign, advocate a common European army. This is also a step away from a reinterpretation as provided for in the constitution.

Hands off neutrality: three quarters of Austrians want to hold on to it at all costs.

(Bild: picturedesk.com/APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER)

"Like a cow in front of a new gate"
Pragmatic approach from a practitioner. Armed Forces Colonel Markus Reisner: "We have developed neutrality further over the decades. See, most recently, joining the Skyshield joint defense system. I call this Neutrality Premium Plus." According to the trained historian, you also have to be open and say that you don't know what is still to come and what adjustments still need to be made. In view of the war in Ukraine and developments worldwide. Reisner: "We are like a cow in front of a new gate. The government has to create the framework conditions, we do the work. In the interests of the population." 

One thing is certain. The population does not want neutrality to be jeopardized. According to recent surveys, three quarters are in favor of maintaining it. Only 14% are in favor of joining NATO.