The delegation leaders of ÖVP and SPÖ in the EU Parliament are calling for a security policy debate, contrary to their party leaders. "We need to say goodbye to the allotment mentality," said Reinhold Lopatka (ÖVP) in an interview with the "Standard" on Wednesday. Austria must be fully involved in the development of the defense union. According to Andreas Schieder (SPÖ), neutrality should not be taboo either.

Lopatka and Schieder Call for Security Policy Debate

"Since Putin's attack on Ukraine, one can no longer rely on legal systems and international treaties. We are dealing with people for whom the strength of the law does not count, but only the law of the strongest. In addition, China is massively rearming," said Lopatka. "It would be absolutely wrong to build a fence around the country and write neutrality on it." Austria must take seriously, especially now, "that we have entered into solidarity obligations in the EU. We have to provide assistance if a member is attacked."

"Neutrality Obligates Us to Defend Ourselves Effectively"

Austria is part of the common Europe, which applies to all matters, whether economic policy, democracy, or now the defense and security policy challenges, emphasized Schieder. "We need to have a seat at the table." Schieder: "Neutrality obligates us to defend ourselves effectively. We must seriously link these two obligations. We have been skirting around this for years." The SPÖ delegation leader further demanded: "We need to analyze the threats and then decide what measures we need. We must finally tackle this, not just sit on (the neutrality of, note) 1955 and not talk about it anymore."

(APA/Red)

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