Austria's Neutrality: Switzerland's Twin Or Distant Cousin?

Austria and Switzerland are two of Europe's remaining neutral countries, along with Ireland and Malta. Austria's neutrality is enshrined in its constitution and was established in 1955 after the country was occupied by Allied forces. The country's neutrality is enforced and prohibits the nation from joining military alliances or hosting foreign military bases. Switzerland's neutrality was established in 1640 with the Peace of Westphalia and was reaffirmed in 1815 by Austria, France, England, Prussia, and Russia. While both countries are technically neutral, they have taken different approaches to their neutrality and their foreign policies differ. Austria has supported European weapons deliveries to Ukraine and has deepened its defense cooperation with Western European NATO countries, while Switzerland has refused to grant permission for other countries to re-export Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine.

Austria's enforced neutrality

Austria's neutrality is enforced by its constitution, which prohibits the country from joining military alliances or hosting foreign military bases. This is enshrined in the country's constitutional law, which was passed in 1955 after the country gained independence from the Allies. The country's neutrality was demanded by the Soviet Union in the Moscow memorandum, which also expressed a preparedness for pledges by the four powers to respect Austrian territory.

Austria's neutrality is not as strict as Switzerland's, which refuses to grant permission to re-export Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine. Austria, on the other hand, is contributing to aid projects in Ukraine and has supported European weapons deliveries to the country.

Austria's neutrality is based on its unique historical trajectory and challenges, and it has adapted its neutrality principles and foreign policies to its own needs.

Switzerland's independence

Overall, Switzerland's independence is a result of its history, geography, and commitment to neutrality. The country has successfully navigated complex geopolitical situations while maintaining its unique characteristics and independence.

Austria's participation in the UN

Austria has been a member of the United Nations since 14 December 1955, and has established itself as an engaged member state. As one of four UN headquarters worldwide, Austria is a strong advocate for effective multilateralism, international dialogue, and a UN that is fit for the 21st century.

Austria has been elected thrice to the Security Council, twice to the UN Human Rights Council, and is a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027-2028. The country's reputation has also helped secure the appointment of Austrian nationals to key posts within the UN, including former UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim.

Austria's priorities in the UN include peace and security, conflict prevention, strengthening human rights and the rule of law, the protection of civilians (especially women and children) in armed conflict, and the fight against impunity, drugs, and organised crime. The country has also been instrumental in increasing the UN's focus on these issues, and has contributed to the development of international law.

Austria has also been an active participant in the UN's work on Agenda 2030, which aims to combat global challenges such as poverty and climate change. The country has further committed to improving the working methods of the UN Security Council, and has been a coordinator of the "Group of Friends of the Rule of Law" in New York since 2005.

In addition to its work in the UN, Austria is also a member of the European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and is a founding member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Interpol.

Switzerland's stance on the EU

Switzerland's relationship with the EU is governed by a series of bilateral agreements, giving it direct access to key sectors of the EU's internal market, including the free movement of people, mutual recognition of product standards, and the opening of markets for public procurement, air transport, and road and rail transport of passengers and goods. Switzerland is the EU's fourth-largest trading partner, and the EU is Switzerland's largest trading partner by far.

Despite their close economic ties, Switzerland has consistently rejected deeper integration with the EU, including joining the European Economic Area (EEA). In 1992, a Swiss referendum rejected EEA membership by a narrow margin, and the country subsequently suspended negotiations for EU membership. Switzerland has also been reluctant to join other EU policies and programmes, such as the Erasmus+ student exchange programme, only joining as a third country in 2014.

One of the main reasons for Switzerland's reluctance to join the EU is its commitment to neutrality, which it considers incompatible with EU membership. Switzerland's neutrality is protected by its constitution and has been a key aspect of its foreign policy for centuries. The country has a large and well-equipped army and has even contemplated building nuclear weapons to uphold its neutrality.

Another concern for Switzerland is the potential loss of sovereignty that could come with EU membership. Direct democracy is sacred in Switzerland, and many Swiss worry that joining the EU would curtail their rights to political participation. Additionally, Switzerland wants to maintain control over its legislative process and is reluctant to submit to EU laws and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.

In recent years, there have been efforts to rebuild ties between Switzerland and the EU, with the Swiss government proposing a new series of sectoral accords instead of an overarching treaty. However, negotiations have been challenging, and it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached that respects Switzerland's neutrality and independence while also allowing for closer integration with the EU.

Austria's military ambiguity

Austria's neutrality is enshrined in its constitution and the 1955 Austrian State Treaty, prohibiting it from joining military alliances or hosting foreign military bases. This was largely influenced by the post-World War II context, where the Soviet Union demanded Austrian neutrality in exchange for ending the country's occupation by Allied forces. Austria's neutrality, modelled after Switzerland, was seen as a buffer between NATO allies Italy and West Germany, serving Soviet interests during the Cold War.

However, Austria's neutrality has been questioned in recent years, especially with the country's support for European weapons deliveries to Ukraine and its deepening defence cooperation with Western European NATO members. While Austria has not joined NATO, it has authorized military deployments, such as to the Red Sea, and participated in EU-led military actions and exercises. These actions blur the lines of neutrality and raise questions about the country's ability to maintain a stance of military ambiguity.

Additionally, Austria's membership in the European Union has further complicated its neutrality. Article 42 of the EU treaty includes a mutual defence clause, which could compel Austria to set aside its neutrality in the event of an armed crisis. Furthermore, Austria's constitutional law was amended for EU accession, promising full participation in joint security and defence policies, and placing EU law above Austrian law. This has created a growing divide between public opinion, which largely supports neutrality, and the perceptions of experts, who see the status as increasingly incompatible with EU integration.

Despite these complexities, Austria's neutrality remains a fundamental part of its national identity and is deeply rooted in its history. The country celebrates October 26, the day it passed its neutrality act, as its national day. The concept of neutrality is seen as a new beginning after the trauma of losing its empire and the collaboration with Nazism during World War II.

In conclusion, Austria's military ambiguity is a result of its historical context, geopolitical considerations, and evolving international relations. While it clings to its neutrality, the country's actions and commitments have raised questions about the practicality and longevity of its stance. The future of Austria's neutrality will depend on how it navigates the tensions between its constitutional commitments, public opinion, and the evolving demands of its international alliances.

Frequently asked questions