Austria "Not Yet Contractually" Bound to Sky Shield

"Austria is not yet contractually bound," Van der Bellen said on Friday at a press conference with Swiss Federal President Karin Keller-Sutter in Vienna. She referred to a corresponding positive decision by the Swiss government.

Van der Bellen: Skyshield "Certainly a Topic" in Coalition Negotiations

The participation of neighbouring countries in the initiative led by NATO member Germany is in question. While in Switzerland this week, the Defence Minister Viola Amherd, known as a strong supporter of Sky Shield, surprisingly announced her resignation, the FPÖ, a strictly opposing party, is about to take over the Chancellor's Office in Austria. Van der Bellen said in response to a question that Sky Shield will "certainly be a topic" in the FPÖ-ÖVP coalition negotiations. "I personally have always believed that the Sky Shield initiative is positive, also because it was undertaken together with Switzerland." But he knows that "a future governing party has always spoken out against it".

Swiss Federal President: Skyshield Compatible with Neutrality

Keller-Sutter said that Amherd's resignation does not change Swiss government policy on Sky Shield, but a new Defence Minister could "set accents". "In the present case, we support a security cooperation in Europe, as far as it is compatible with neutrality". Especially in view of the geopolitical situation, cooperation with neighbouring countries is important. In Switzerland, there is traditionally a cross-camp government of the four largest parties in the country - SVP, Social Democrats (SP), FDP and Christian Democrats (Centre). Unlike in Austria, there is no consensus principle in the government, as the most important political decisions are made in referendums anyway. Accordingly, the SVP wants to thwart Swiss participation in Sky Shield by means of a referendum.

Traditional Swiss Visit at the Beginning of the Year

Van der Bellen welcomed his new counterpart with military honours. Keller-Sutter took over the chairmanship of the seven-member Swiss government at the turn of the year. Traditionally, the first trip of a new Swiss Federal President is to Austria. In the joint press conference, Van der Bellen and Keller-Sutter praised the good bilateral relations. The central topic was the agreement reached between the EU Commission and Swiss negotiators on a new basic treaty before Christmas. "We have reached an important milestone," said Keller-Sutter, referring to the still outstanding domestic approval in Switzerland. Van der Bellen said he was "positively surprised" by the agreement and wished his counterpart "all the best" for the remaining steps, which are likely to result in a referendum.

Swiss Government System Does Not Enchant Federal President

Van der Bellen was also asked about the Swiss government system with its concentration government from the four largest parties in the country and whether this could also be a model for Austria, currently plagued by domestic political instability. "I can only warn against blindly stumbling into the idea of being able to simply copy another country," he said, referring to the Swiss structure that has grown over 200 years. Although the cooperation of the four major Swiss parties is called a magic formula, "but whether this magic still holds, we will see".

Keller-Sutter also said that the two systems could not be compared. "I must say, the longer I am involved, the more I appreciate the Swiss system," said the liberal politician. "It is incredibly boring for outsiders, but it works," she referred to the smooth appointment of government members. Thus, it is already known today that the government seat vacated by Amherd will be filled again on March 12, when the parliament votes on it.

Keller-Sutter does not fear that an FPÖ chancellorship could have a negative impact on bilateral and EU relations, as asked by a Swiss journalist. She cannot imagine a change. "The ties between Austria and Switzerland are very strong". Especially among ministers and in border regions, there is a very lively exchange. "The relationships often go beyond specific problems that need to be solved. We solve them together, regardless of the people."

Switzerland Wants to Continue "Good Services" in Ukraine Conflict

The two counterparts also discussed current international issues such as Ukraine or the Middle East. Van der Bellen thanked Switzerland for its mediation in the Ukraine war and the assumption of the OSCE chairmanship next year. Keller-Sutter expressed the willingness that Bern would continue to provide its "good services". Van der Bellen expressed the hope that the Austrian Hamas hostage Tal Shoham would "quickly" return to her family and that the ceasefire deal would also facilitate the urgently needed humanitarian aid for the suffering population in the Gaza Strip.

(APA/Red)

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