Austria's role in the EU: neutrality as a key to security?

Austria's role in the EU: neutrality as a key to security?

Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) has fundamentally welcomed the EU Commission's proposals to upgrade Europe and emphasizes that every country in Europe, including Austria, requires robust protection in view of the growing global uncertainties. "The world is becoming more dangerous," says Stocker, and the importance of active participation in a common security and defense policy cannot be underestimated. In the coming days, the federal government wants to analyze what effects these developments could have on Austria.

The EU plans to significantly strengthen its defense ability by obtaining military goods together and losing debt rules. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) underlined that it is not about the assertion of defense ability, not a armed arm. Approval also came from the SPÖ, whereby the delegation manager Andreas Schieder pointed out that security could not be guaranteed not solely by higher defense spending, but also by investing in economic and infrastructure strategies. In contrast, the FPÖ expressed sharp criticism of the EU proposals and warned of the risk that the EU could develop into a war community, as Susanne Fürst emphasized.

EU summit and multilateralism in focus

The upcoming EU summit will also deal with topics such as the next EU multi-year budget and migration policy measures. Stocker rejects a European debt union and calls for careful handling of tax money. In addition, the Austrian attitude towards migration, including the suspension of family reunification, is discussed in order to counter the disproportionate stress by unaccompanied migrants. This complex topic also requires a list of safe countries of origin.

The transatlantic relationships are also the focus, since Stocker signaled a strong commitment to multilateralism and emphasized the importance of stable international contracts. While the situation in Ukraine is further exhilarating, President Wolodymyr Selenskyj is switched on by video to the summit. The European member states agree that peace only requires sustainable solutions in which Ukraine is actively involved. These developments are crucial for security and stability in Europe, such as "https://www.krone.at/3731709"> krone.at as well as Sn.at report.