FPÖ warns: traffic light government endangers Austria's neutrality and security!

FPÖ warns: traffic light government endangers Austria's neutrality and security!

Österreich, Land - On April 8, 2025, the FPÖ general secretary Christian Hafenecker commented after the first government exam of the current coalition, which he described as a "loser ambulance". According to Hafeneck, the FPÖ fears that the government endangers the Austrian neutrality and that the population unnecessarily frightens to secure its power. These statements were expressed as part of a press conference in which Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger, Minister of Defense Tanner and State Secretary Leichtfried also had their say. Hafenecker criticized the low news of the discussion and called for a revision of the Austrian security strategy, which he considered inadequate.

In addition, Hafeneck also showed interest in integrating all parliamentary parties in the process. Especially when discussing the monitoring of messenger services, he hopes for a negative attitude of the NEOs, which indicates possible conflicts within the coalition. The current security policy developments are in the context of an increasing discussion about the role of the neutrality of Austria, which has been a central element of the country's security strategy for over 40 years.

The dimensions of Austrian neutrality

According to Martin Senn, there are three central dimensions of Austrian neutrality policy: interpretation, the attractiveness and deterrent. At Parlament.gv.at it is stated that the interpretation of neutrality requires continuous domestic debates, in particular in the event of changes in the international framework. The attractiveness is shown in measures such as mediation in conflicts, while the deterrent ensures that potential aggressors recognize that the costs of a violation of neutrality are not in relation to their benefits.

Austrian neutrality has developed through different phases: from consolidation in 1955 to an expansion in the 1970s and 1980s to a reorientation after the end of the east-west conflict. In recent years, however, there are signs of stagnation, since all parliamentary parties besides neos are committed to neutrality. This decline in political dynamics could be problematic under the current security policy conditions.

Current security policy challenges

The security policy agenda in Austria has changed significantly as a result of the Ukraine War. Military violence is increasingly viewed as a legitimate means of enforcing national interests. The western democracies show different assessments of Russian attack on Ukraine, with the assessment of the aggressive behavior of countries such as the USA under the new administration with regard to the basic rules of international law. In this precarious situation, Austria has to wonder how it can redefine its security policy role within the EU.

Some politicians argue that it is necessary to mobilize funds for self -defense in order to reconcile neutrality and security policy. In the new government, however, there is little support for active neutrality. The FPÖ shows a reserved attitude in the security policy debate and also represents other views on neutrality. In this context, a constitutional change or a referendum to expand military cooperation within the EU could seem sensible. This could even strengthen the commitment to neutrality in the context of European security.

The discussion about neutrality and their relevance for security policy is supported by various political programs. The goal of an active neutrality policy formulated in the government program 2020-2024 is intended to serve as a contribution to peace and security in Europe.