Austria is reviewing its national security: NATO on the agenda

27.07.2025 | Foreign policy

Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger is considering a possible rethinking of traditional neutrality due to the changed geopolitical situation and the Russian threat.

Снимка от Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten, Wikimedia Commons, под CC BY 2.0

Austria's foreign policy leadership is seriously considering revising its previous neutral position towards the NATO military alliance. Minister Beate Mainl-Reisinger categorically emphasized that the existing neutrality cannot guarantee comprehensive national security in current geopolitical conditions.

Despite the lack of parliamentary and public majority support for membership, the diplomatic department believes that initiating such a discussion would be extremely useful. Experts recommend parallel development of two main approaches - own investments in the military sector and deepening of partnership relations.

The historical context shows that Austria declared its neutrality in 1955 after the withdrawal of Soviet and allied troops. This status is constitutionally enshrined, but at the same time the country is already actively participating in the "Partnership for Peace" program, which demonstrates a certain flexibility in its international military commitments.