Austria is ready to discuss joining NATO

It has become known that Austria is ready to discuss joining NATO and renouncing its neutrality because of Russia.

This was stated by the country’s Foreign Minister Beate Mainl-Reisinger in an interview with Die Welt.

“It is clear that neutrality alone will not protect us. Against the backdrop of an increasingly uncertain global security situation and an increasingly aggressive Russia, Austria is protected by investments in our defense capabilities and in partnerships,” Maynle-Reisinger said.

According to her, the discussion on this issue could be very fruitful, even though there is currently no majority in parliament or among the population in favor of NATO membership.

Austria declared its neutrality in 1955, when Allied troops, including those of the USSR, withdrew from the country.

At that time, Austria regained its independence, and the provision on permanent neutrality was enshrined in the constitution.

Austria is not a member of NATO but cooperates with the alliance, for example, within the framework of the Partnership for Peace program.