Austria's Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger expressed readiness for public debates on the potential membership of the country in NATO. In a comment to the German publication Welt, she noted that such discussions 'would be beneficial', although currently neither parliament nor society shows support for joining the Alliance.
She emphasized that amid growing global instability and aggressive Russian policies, 'neutrality by itself does not protect us'. According to Meinl-Reisinger, the only real guarantee of security for Austria is investing in its own defense and deepening partnerships. 'We cannot sit idly by and believe that if we do nothing to anyone, we will not be affected. This is naive, and the world is no longer like that,'
she emphasized.
Neutrality is transforming
Despite its official neutrality, Austria has long been participating in joint security initiatives of the European Union. As the minister noted, the country actively participates in peacekeeping missions and provides financial, political, and military support for European security and defense policies. According to her, since Austria joined the EU in 1995, the concept of neutrality has undergone transformation.
Meinl-Reisinger also commented on the war in Ukraine, accusing Russia of lacking a genuine desire for peace. She emphasized that if Putin truly wanted to end hostilities, he would have already initiated negotiations. At the same time, according to the Austrian diplomat, the Russian dictator has chosen the path of 'total war'.
Austria's security and participation in international initiatives
She also mentioned the US president: 'Trump handed Crimea and several eastern regions to Putin on a silver platter, excluded Ukraine's membership in NATO. And what has Putin done? He continues aggression,'
statedthe head of the Foreign Ministry.
Austria declared its neutrality in 1955 after the withdrawal of foreign troops. This principle is enshrined in the Constitution and remains a key element of national identity. That's why, as noted by the Welt journalist, neutrality is still perceived by many Austrians as a 'sacred cow'.
The Austrian Foreign Minister expressed readiness to discuss the possibility of the country joining NATO, pointing to changes in the principles of neutrality and active participation in international peacekeeping initiatives within the European Union. She emphasized the importance of investing in its own defense and strengthening partnerships to ensure national security. Austria, while positioning itself as a neutral state, actively participates in maintaining peace on the continent and expresses strong support for security measures.