Moscow has previously accused Austria of shifting its foreign policy stance amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger has stated that Austria should be prepared to consider potential NATO membership. However, she admitted that significant public or parliamentary backing for such a move is currently unlikely.
In an interview with Die Welt on Saturday, Meinl-Reisinger referred to what she sees as “an increasingly aggressive Russia,” claiming it is unwilling to reach a peaceful resolution with Ukraine.
Moscow has repeatedly stated its openness to dialogue, but insists that any agreement must address its core security concerns, including Ukraine’s permanent exclusion from NATO.
Meinl-Reisinger argues that “neutrality alone does not protect us,” suggesting Austria should invest in both “defense capabilities” and military alliances.
“I am fundamentally very open to a public debate” regarding Austria’s future role in this area, she stated. She added that even though “there is currently no majority in parliament or among the population for NATO membership, such a debate can nevertheless be very fruitful.”
The Foreign Minister acknowledged that she isn’t pushing for immediate NATO membership, but emphasized that Austria cannot passively observe the evolving geopolitical situation.
Austria, an EU member since 1995, is constitutionally prohibited from joining military alliances or hosting foreign military personnel and bases under the 1955 Austrian State Treaty. This agreement, made in exchange for regaining full sovereignty after being part of Nazi Germany during World War II, established these limitations.
Following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Austria joined the Western sanctions imposed on Russia, leading Moscow to label it a “hostile state.”
Earlier in the week, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Austria of abandoning its neutrality and its role as a mediator in international disputes. This accusation followed reports that Austria is permitting the continuous transit of weapons through its territory.