The Austrian authorities — and each different occasion, other than the liberal NEOS — clings to Austria’s impartial standing. They declare the controversy over earlier than it has even begun giving one easy cause: the residents need it that means.
It’s geography that issues
And what politician in energy would critically go in opposition to the citizens on such a delicate difficulty? This was additionally the opinion expressed by Austria’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in an interview with Deutschlandfunk radio on May 18: “The country wants to remain neutral,” he mentioned. But that doesn’t cease the nation from displaying solidarity and supporting the EU’s sanctions in opposition to Russia, for instance.
What actually protects us is our geographical place.
And it’s true: nearly all of Austrians are nonetheless in opposition to becoming a member of NATO. According to a ballot for the APA information company, solely 14 p.c are in favor, whereas 75% oppose it. When requested whether or not neutrality nonetheless protects us at the moment, 52% answered “yes.” However, 40% don’t consider that neutrality protects Austria from threats of conflict.
After all, 40% of Austrians perceive that neutrality alone won’t, certainly can not, defend their homeland. Or, because the Viennese worldwide legislation professional Ralph Janik aptly put it: What actually protects us is our geographical place.
The drawback with the amicable means
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky throughout a joint press convention following bilateral discussions
Ukraine Presidency/ZUMA Press Wire
Austria is – in optimistic and unfavorable phrases – an island of the blessed. But this “gmiatliche” (amicable) means appears naive in gentle of the Russian conflict of aggression on Ukraine and the safety coverage implications that each one of Europe should draw from it. Instead of confronting accountable folks with that actuality, specifically that neutrality in its authentic type has outlived its usefulness, Austrian politics is hiding behind this idea. They cover behind this fossil, this delusion that’s cherished in Austria – and but it’s undermined at each alternative.
After all, since becoming a member of the EU, Austria has already diminished its neutrality to core areas – no army alliance, no stationing of international troops. In different issues, Austria is able to take part within the frequent European international and safety coverage, particularly in disaster operations.
And what if the EU is now critical about growing its army constructions? It is to be anticipated that little consideration can be given to the refusal of a small impartial state. How sensible it’s for the EU to construct army constructions parallel to these of NATO – now that Finland and Sweden additionally need to grow to be NATO members – is one other matter. Probably not a lot.
Open letter
So whereas Sweden and Finland are presently fast-tracking their software with a view to place themselves beneath the protecting mantle of NATO, Austria continues to sleepwalk alongside. Isn’t it disturbing that these two (nonetheless) non-aligned international locations apparently don’t need to depend on the mutual help clause in Article 42 of the EU Treaty (which supplies for mutual help within the occasion of an assault, however not for an obligation of collective protection)? Instead they like to place extra belief in Article 5 of the NATO Treaty (the case of alliance). I’d say: sure, it’s disturbing.
Neutrality has by no means been examined for its present appropriateness.
Since the format of the “open letter” exists not solely in Germany but additionally in Austria, it’s value mentioning at this level that just a few folks in my residence nation have precisely the identical ideas. On May 9, 50 outstanding signatories addressed the Federal President and the Federal Government, amongst others. They known as for a “serious, nation-wide discussion on Austria’s security and defense policy future and the adoption of a new security doctrine.”
Neutrality, which has been interpreted very flexibly in observe, has by no means been examined for its present appropriateness. Instead it had been elevated to the standing of a supposedly inviolable delusion. Muddling alongside, one other element of Austria’s DNA, is just now not an choice. But I concern that the federal government will most likely want to proceed to maintain the supposedly impartial hearts and keep distant from actuality.
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