Schwarz-Fuchs demands stronger European security policy for Austria

Schwarz-Fuchs demands stronger European security policy for Austria

Österreich - Christine Schwarz-Fuchs, Vorarlberg ÖVP Federal Councilor, emphasized the central role of foreign and security policy for Austria today during the current hour of the Federal Council. At a time when the international relationships of conflicts are characterized, it emphasized the effects on the exportability of Austrian companies. For Austria, a small and export-oriented country, a stable foreign and security policy is crucial for the prosperity and creation of jobs. This topic gains additional explosiveness against the background of the changed European and international security environment, in particular through the Russian attack war against Ukraine, of fundamental changes.

Schwarz-Fuchs further explained that security cannot be viewed in isolation; It includes military, social, economic, diplomatic and political aspects. In this context, she called for increased European and international cooperation in security policy. Austria is already active in the common foreign and security policy of the EU as well as in international organizations such as the UN and OSCE. In addition, Austria applied for a non-constant seat in the UN Security Council for the years 2027/28.

Security as a total policy challenge

Harald Himmer, group leader of the ÖVP in the Federal Council, underlined the close connection between military, economic and social security. He advocated a serious security policy and necessary investments in national defense. In his explanations, Himmer criticized the black and white thinking of the freedom and called for pragmatic approaches to cope with current challenges.

Another important aspect was addressed by Christoph Sterebacher, Tyrolean ÖVP Federal Council. He explained the importance of double budget 2025/26 for the budget renovation and the boosting the economy. Stillebacher referred to the financial challenges that result from Corona pandemic and the Ukraine War. The budget renovation measures 2025 II ensures the financability of the welfare state, and it emphasized the need that everyone has to contribute to companies and energy groups.

Risks and challenges of security policy

Austrian security policy has set itself the goal of protecting the population from future risks and threats. The identified security risks include geopolitical rivalries, cyber threats and the effects of climate change on safety. It becomes clear that an effective security policy can only be designed in the context of the EU and the international security architecture. Austria sees itself as responsibility to actively work in the further development of the common security and defense policy of the EU.

The EU itself has the ability to carry out peace missions worldwide and to take part in crisis management operations. This is done by mobilizing ad hoc forces that are provided by the Member States. The common foreign and security policy of the EU is based on diplomacy and international rule of law and aims to solve conflicts and promote international consensus. In this context, Austria also has a place in the NATO partnership for peace and actively participates in various security initiatives.

Overall, an increasing insight is evident that security policy is an integrative and dynamic field that includes both military and civil dimensions. Austria's role in international security architecture will continue to remain decisive.