Austria has signalled for the first time that it is prepared to reconsider its longstanding policy of military neutrality and engage in discussions about joining NATO, citing growing security concerns over Russia’s aggressive posture in Europe. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl‑Reisinger told Die Welt and other outlets that “neutrality alone will not protect us” and that the country should consider a public debate on abandoning its constitutionally enshrined neutrality and exploring full NATO membership all as a response to what she described as “an increasingly uncertain global security situation and an increasingly aggressive Russia”.
She clarified that Austria is not currently pursuing accession parliament and public opinion remain opposed but insisted discussion would be valuable and timely. “Although there is presently no majority in parliament or the population in favour of joining NATO, such a debate can still be very fruitful,” she said, underscoring that neutrality should not equate to inaction or naivety in the face of modern threats.
Since regaining sovereignty in 1955, Austria’s constitution has prohibited membership in military alliances or hosting foreign bases. Nonetheless, Vienna has adjusted its posture over time joining the EU in 1995 and participating in NATO’s Partnership for Peace programme, as well as numerous EU-led peacekeeping and defence cooperation initiatives.
Meinl‑Reisinger highlighted that neighboring Nordic countries have already shifted away from neutrality citing Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO as points of reference, while noting Austria’s active role in EU security efforts like the European Sky Shield initiative and planned defence spending increases, including doubling its military budget to 2 percent of GDP by 2032.
Observers say any move toward NATO membership would require constitutional amendment and face significant domestic resistance, particularly from entrenched neutrality supporters and political factions like the conservative ÖVP. Despite low poll supportonly about 14–21 percent in favor the security debate is gaining traction amid shifting European dynamics and Russian coercion tactics.
While Austria remains surrounded by NATO states whose collective security has shielded it for decades, officials acknowledge that the altered geopolitical landscape means neutrality may no longer be sufficient. “If we don’t do anything to anyone, nobody will do anything to us” is no longer seen as viable in a post–Ukraine invasion Europe, Meinl‑Reisinger argued.
