Austria signals possible NATO membership amid changing security landscape

In her opinion, Russia has become more aggressive, and the global security situation is becoming increasingly unpredictable.

The discussion was prompted by a statement by Emil Brix, director of the Diplomatic Academy, who suggested that Austria consider the prospect of membership in the Alliance.

In a comment to the agency, Meinl-Reisinger stressed that the issue can no longer be ignored.

She said that neutrality alone did not protect them and that, against the backdrop of an increasingly uncertain global security situation and a more aggressive Russia, Austria was protected by investments in its defense capabilities and partnerships.

Although the majority in parliament and Austrian society does not currently support the idea of joining NATO, Meinl-Reisinger urges people not to be afraid of discussion.

According to her, the country has already moved away from the classic understanding of neutrality since joining the EU in 1995.

She said that, at the same time, they were making a significant contribution to European security, deploying soldiers in numerous EU peacekeeping missions and doing everything possible to support the common European security and defense policy financially, militarily, and politically.

There is a growing demand in Europe to rethink the policy of neutrality after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine's accession to NATO

During the full-scale Russia's invasion, Ukraine took an important step towards NATO membership by applying for accelerated accession to the Alliance in the fall of 2022.

NATO emphasizes that Ukraine has the prospect of membership, but joining the Alliance during the war is currently out of the question. US President Donald Trump has completely ruled out the possibility of Ukraine joining the Alliance.

At the same time, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth called Ukraine's membership in NATO unrealistic as a possible security guarantee for ending the war.