70 years of neutrality: Austria's path to peace and responsibility

70 years of neutrality: Austria's path to peace and responsibility

October 26, 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the decision on Austria's perpetual neutrality. This neutrality is a clear commitment to peace, independence and self-determination and forms a central part of Austrian identity. This is linked to the principle that Austria does not take part in military alliances with war commitments. Furthermore, no foreign troops are permanently stationed on Austrian soil. These regulations have brought protection, security, stability and credibility to the country. Historical challenges, such as vandalism, are also mitigated by respect for different cultures and traditions. State Governor Peter Kaiser emphasizes that neutrality means responsibility for peace, dialogue and humanitarian aid and requires a stance and active action against injustice, violence and oppression. Carinthia is highlighted as an example of a life in peace and diversity.

Peter Kaiser explains that Austria has become a country of encounters since joining the EU. Respect for different cultures and traditions remains of great importance. The history of Carinthia teaches that courage, patience and openness are necessary for understanding. The future of Austrian neutrality lies in an active, solidarity-based and European-embedded security and peace policy. In this context, Austria stands firmly at the side of its European partners and defends common values.

The Sky Shield initiative

A specific project in this context is the Sky Shield initiative. This European project aims to develop a modern protection system against airborne threats such as drones, cruise vehicles and missiles. According to information from the armed forces, Sky Shield ensures that threats from the air do not stop at national borders. The initiative underlines the need to prepare specifically and collectively against such risks. Further details and answers to the initiative are available on the Armed Forces website.

Dimensions of neutrality

Austrian neutrality is characterized by various dimensions. In his analyses, Martin Senn describes that there is an interpretation of the neutrality policy that is discussed within the state, especially when the framework conditions change. There is also an attractiveness that includes measures to ensure external neutrality, for example through mediation in conflicts or hosting international organizations.

Another aspect is deterrence, which signals that the potential benefits of violating neutrality for potential aggressors are not proportional to the costs. The development of neutrality took place over four phases: from consolidation in 1955, to expansion in the 1970s and 1980s, to reorientation after the end of the East-West conflict. In recent times, and especially since Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the discussion about neutrality has become more intense.

A current point in this discourse is the government program for the years 2025-2029, which emphasizes an active neutrality policy as a crucial contribution to peace and security. The FPÖ even warns of a possible destruction of neutrality and calls for it to be anchored in the federal constitution.

Overall, it shows that the discussion about Austrian neutrality remains current and important. A solidarity security policy that takes Austria's national security and sovereignty into account in connection with the EU is addressed in the 2024 security strategy, with broad support for neutrality being pointed out among the population.

For more information on the details surrounding Austrian neutrality, the Sky Shield initiative and its effects, see also the reports from Klick Kärnten, Bundesheer and Parlament.gv.at.