Austria's defense: Eu is upgrading - what does that mean for us?

Austria's defense: Eu is upgrading - what does that mean for us?

The discussion about Austria's defense capacity within the EU is increasingly gaining driving. At an event of the Austrian Society for European Politics (ÖGFE), MPs said that NATO accession may no longer be realistic. ÖVP MP Lukas Mandl emphasized that NATO was weakened in its role and that security in Europe could no longer be guaranteed. Andreas Schieder from the SPÖ also expressed concerns because he sees a NATO accession as nonsensical in the current situation, mainly because of the destabilized attitude of US President Donald Trump. He sees Russian President Vladimir Putin and other actors as a threat to democracy in Europe, which underlines urgency for an EU-controlled defense.

increasing defense spending and reactions

Several parties, including the Neos and the Greens, called for an intensive debate about Austria's neutrality and the need to strengthen defense skills. Mandl pointed out that the EU wants to invest up to 800 billion euros in defense in the coming years, which is considered a massive strengthening of European security architecture. At the same time, the danger was emphasized that external influences, especially by Russia, as in the case of disinformation, can endanger stability. NEOS European MP Anna Stürgkh underlined the need to rethink in relation to neutrality, since the current environment forces the EU to be more responsible to ensure security.

like politico , the situation is reported by the growing uncertainty regarding NATO and the decreasing military Focus on the USA on Europe even more complicated. There is a feeling of urgency because the EU has to rethink its defense strategies so as not to be dependent on external actors. There are also significant voices that demand an end to the political and posture dependence on the United States. The EU faces the challenge of expanding its defense capacities and ensuring that it is prepared for future threats while at the same time maintaining the democratic values ​​that it wants to protect.