Austria's Nato History: A Complex Relationship

Austria is not a member of NATO, but it is one of the organisation's closest partners. The country has participated in the Partnership for Peace programme since 1995 and joined the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council in 1997. Austria has also contributed troops to NATO-led peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Afghanistan, and Kosovo. Despite this close cooperation, Austria's commitment to neutrality, enshrined in its constitution since 1955, has been a barrier to full NATO membership.

Austria is not a NATO member

Austria is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). However, it has been a partner in the organization's Partnership for Peace (PfP) program since 1995 and joined the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) in 1997. Austria's relationship with NATO has strengthened over the years, and it actively cooperates with the organization in peace-support operations and other areas.

Austria's neutrality is enshrined in its constitution and prohibits the country from joining military alliances and hosting foreign military bases. This neutrality stems from the 1955 Austrian State Treaty, which was influenced by the Soviet Union's desire for a reunified country to adopt Swiss neutrality. While the treaty itself did not commit Austria to neutrality, it was later enshrined in the country's constitution in October 1955 with the Declaration of Neutrality.

Austria's commitment to neutrality has been a topic of debate, especially following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. While some argue that Austria should join NATO, public opinion polls show that only 21% of Austrians support joining, with 60% opposed. The country's chancellor, Karl Nehammer, has stated that Austria will continue its policy of neutrality.

Despite not being a NATO member, Austria has contributed to international security and peace-support operations. It has participated in NATO-led operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Afghanistan, and Kosovo. Additionally, Austria has contributed to the destruction of mines and munitions in various countries through NATO Trust Fund projects.

Austria is a neutral country

Austria's neutrality is an enforced one, with its roots in the post-World War II era. The Soviet Union demanded Austrian neutrality, modelled on Switzerland, in the Moscow Memorandum of 1955. Austria's neutrality is also influenced by its desire to act as a global mediator and a bridge between the East and the West.

Despite its neutrality, Austria has expanded its relations with NATO and joined its Partnership for Peace programme in 1995. Austria actively cooperates with NATO in peace-support operations and has personnel deployed in Kosovo. It also participates in various NATO-led operations, including in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Afghanistan. Additionally, Austria is a member of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and contributes to NATO Trust Fund projects in partner countries, providing support for the destruction of mines and munitions.

Austria's neutrality has been questioned in recent years, especially since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. There has been debate about Austria joining NATO, similar to how it joined the EU alongside Finland and Sweden. However, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer stated that the country would continue its policy of neutrality. Opinion polls show that membership is not widely popular among Austrians, with only 21% supporting joining NATO as of April 2023.

While Austria's neutrality is "perpetual", it is not irrevocable. A parliamentary supermajority could lift this status. However, any changes to the country's neutrality would likely face strong opposition from the Austrian people, as 91% stated that neutrality was important to them personally in a 2022 poll.

Austria's relationship with NATO

Austria and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have a close relationship, with formal relations since 1995 when Austria joined the Partnership for Peace programme. However, Austria is not a member of NATO and is bound to neutrality by the 1955 Austrian State Treaty and its constitution, prohibiting the country from joining military alliances and hosting foreign military bases.

Austria has contributed to NATO Trust Fund projects in several partner countries, providing support for the destruction of mines and munitions. Additionally, Austria cooperates with NATO allies on civil preparedness, providing mutual support in dealing with the consequences of major accidents or disasters in the Euro-Atlantic area. Under the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme, Austrian scientists are leading activities to tackle chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats.

Austria's military has expanded its relations with NATO by participating in various NATO-led operations with a UN Security Council mandate. The Austrian Mission to NATO is staffed by experts from the Ministry of European and International Affairs and the Ministry of Defense, bringing Austrian interests and viewpoints into discussions with the Allies and other partner states.

Austria's commitment to neutrality has been questioned since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, especially as Sweden and Finland abandoned their neutrality to join NATO. However, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer stated that the country would continue its policy of neutrality, and Austrian public opinion largely supports maintaining neutrality.

Austria's stance on the Ukraine-Russia war

Austria has a longstanding position of military neutrality, which has been under scrutiny during the Ukraine-Russia war. While Austria has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and supported sanctions against Russia, it has stopped short of providing military aid to Ukraine. Instead, it has focused on non-military support, including humanitarian aid and assistance to refugees.

Austria has a complex relationship with Russia, and this has been a delicate issue for the country during the war. Austria has historically had good bilateral relations with Russia, and it has been reluctant to sever diplomatic ties with Moscow. This was highlighted by the controversy surrounding Austria's decision to grant visas to sanctioned Russian lawmakers for an OSCE meeting in Vienna in February 2023. This decision was criticized by other OSCE delegates, who argued that the sanctioned Russians should not be allowed to participate in an institution "tasked with promoting sincere dialogue and opposition to the war." However, Austrian officials defended their decision by emphasizing the importance of keeping communication channels with Russia open.

Austria's commitment to neutrality is enshrined in its constitution and is supported by both the public and the political establishment. The country's neutrality is based on its history and geographical position, and it has served as a mediator between East and West. However, following the Ukraine-Russia war, there have been calls for Austria to reassess its neutrality and join NATO. These calls have gained some traction within political circles, but they are not widely popular among the Austrian public. According to a survey in April 2023, only 21% of Austrians supported joining NATO, while 60% were opposed.

Austria has participated in various NATO-led operations and is a member of the Partnership for Peace program. It has also contributed to United Nations peacekeeping operations and has deployments in several countries, including Kosovo and Lebanon. However, Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer has stated that the country will continue its policy of neutrality and has no plans to join NATO. Instead, it will focus on cooperating with the alliance and promoting global security through its partnerships with organizations like the UN and OSCE.

In summary, Austria's stance on the Ukraine-Russia war has been one of condemnation of Russian aggression, support for sanctions, and a commitment to providing non-military assistance to Ukraine. While there have been calls for Austria to abandon its neutrality and join NATO, the country remains firmly committed to its neutral status, citing its historical role as a mediator between East and West.

Austria's military exercises

Austria has a close relationship with NATO and has formal relations since 1995 when it joined the Partnership for Peace programme. However, Austria is not a member of NATO due to its commitment to neutrality. The Austrian State Treaty of 1955 declared Austria to be a free, independent, and neutral state. This neutrality was later enshrined in the country's constitution in October 1955 with the Declaration of Neutrality. The Declaration prohibits Austria from joining a military alliance, hosting foreign military bases, and participating in wars.

One notable exercise in 2022 was the "Fire Blade" exercise in Hungary, which was a European Union training exercise for helicopter crews in an international alliance. The aim was to increase interoperability and cooperation in operations. The Austrian Armed Forces also conducted the annual "Protection and Attack" training exercise in Eisenerz, Austria, in July 2022. This exercise involved more than 1000 Austrian army soldiers and seven international participants practising emergency response and cooperation between professional soldiers, militia, and civilian authorities.

Austria's participation in international military exercises contributes to its commitment to global peace and security. The country's military exercises focus on interoperability, crisis management, and international cooperation while respecting its neutral status.

Frequently asked questions