Government Plans to Adjust Security Strategy Again
Since then, "massive" changes have occurred, said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP). After all, the USA has always been considered a protective power. She is now aiming for a "broadest possible, also cross-party consensus."
Security Strategy to be Presented to Parliament
The new security strategy is to be presented to Parliament, where a comprehensive debate should then be possible, explained Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) at a press conference following the government retreat on Tuesday. The current security strategy, according to Tanner, has not yet been in Parliament. FPÖ General Secretary Christian Hafenecker insisted in a statement that the involvement of parliamentary parties "must really be adhered to this time." He also accused the government of fearmongering in foreign policy matters.
Government Retreat: Agreement on Foreign Policy Principles
During its retreat, which will continue on Wednesday, the government also agreed on foreign policy principles. After all, the world has gone off the rails, said Meinl-Reisinger. Formerly reliable partners are no longer so, and there is also a diverse threat landscape. Jörg Leichtfried (SPÖ), State Secretary in the Ministry of the Interior, mentioned disinformation, terrorism, and radicalization. Austria's military neutrality continues to be emphasized.
In matters of foreign and security policy, the government also wants to involve the population. According to a cabinet presentation available to the APA, citizen assemblies should enable discourse. Science and business should also be more involved in these topics. The coalition also aims to strengthen awareness of democratic resilience as well as risks and threats in schools and educational institutions.
Austria to Actively Participate
Austria should actively participate internationally, said Meinl-Reisinger - not only, but also in the EU's foreign, security, and defense policy. Thus, Austria wants to actively contribute to the upcoming development of a European Defense Union. Austria should also be a credible European partner capable of making a military solidarity contribution. The cabinet presentation also refers to the duty of assistance within the EU. This applies to Austria in a manner compatible with neutrality, and the assistance does not have to be military.
It has been concluded that neutrality alone cannot protect Austria, said Meinl-Reisinger and Tanner. However, the armed forces can provide protection, said the Defense Minister. She emphasized once again that the defense budget must be increased - the government program mentions two percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2032. The Foreign Minister also welcomed the EU's "Rearm-Europe-Plan," which aims to enable investments of up to 800 billion euros in defense. It is necessary to examine in detail what this could mean for Austria, but an active contribution is certainly desired.
(APA/Red)
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