Stocker announces sharper punishments for spy in Austria!

Stocker announces sharper punishments for spy in Austria!

Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) reacted in a current announcement to the growing threats through foreign influence. In an interview with the "Standard", Stocker said that Austria will tighten its laws against espionage. In particular, this affects the possibility of making punishable in the future if a foreign spy tries to sniff out another. Such behavior is currently not prohibited in Austria, which the federal government considers to be worrying. These measures are part of a comprehensive government program that aims to strengthen Austrian democracy.

Stocker also expressed his concern about the influence of Russia on European democracies, especially the Austrian. He warns of attempts at destabilization, disinformation campaigns and cyber attacks, which Austria could also affect. This is in accordance with the knowledge of the European Parliament, which warns during the election period from 2019 to 2024 of an increase in foreign influence. In particular, an increase in Russian propaganda and the attempt to influence the financing of political parties from outside was found.

planned legal changes

As part of the planned tightening of the spy laws, the paragraph 319 in the Criminal Code, which is directed against military intelligence services for foreign states, is extended to civilian news services. This means that the betrayal of civil society secrets by private individuals should also be made punishable in the future. The aim is to generally expand the criminal liability in Austria.

All of these measures are included in a package that aims to increase Austria's resistance to foreign influence. In the EU Parliament, MPs emphasized the need to act against the interference not only Russia, but also China and other countries such as Qatar and Morocco. Parliament has used several committees since 2020 to examine the effects of foreign influence on democracy in the EU.

growing concern about disinformation

In February 2024 there were reports on the attempts to recruit MPs as influencers. In March 2024, Bundestag President Roberta Metsola emphasized the challenges that the upcoming European elections will put on the resistance of the democratic systems. Appropriate measures to combat disinformation and influence in the run-up to the elections are also of great urgency at EU level.

Developments in Austria and at European level show that the fight against foreign influence and strengthening democracy have a central priority both nationally and internationally. It remains to be seen how the planned legislative measures in Austria are concrete to improve the security situation.

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