Damon Mcknight
Finland and Austria have historically chosen to remain neutral in global conflicts, and this has influenced their decision to not join NATO. Finland's relationship with Russia and its history of being part of Sweden and the Russian Empire has led to a cautious approach towards military alliances. Austria, on the other hand, has had a commitment to neutrality enshrined in its constitution since 1955, prohibiting it from joining military alliances like NATO. Despite some support for NATO membership in both countries, especially in light of recent Russian aggression, Finland and Austria have not pursued full membership in NATO as of 2023.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Finland's unique relationship with Russia | Finland was a part of Russia until 1917 |
| Finland's military non-aligned status | Finland spends 2% of its GDP on defense |
| Finland's historic trademark as a neutral mediator | Helsinki has hosted numerous peace talks |
| Finno-Russian trust | Finland's relationship with Russia has been carefully repaired and maintained since the mid-1940s |
| Finland's doubt about NATO and military alliances | Finlandization, or self-censorship to avoid criticizing the Soviet Union, was common in the 1970s and 1980s |
| Austria's commitment to neutrality | The Austrian State Treaty of 1955 and the Declaration of Neutrality prohibit Austria from joining a military alliance |
| Austria's geopolitical position | Austria is not in a defensible position for NATO |
| Austrian public opinion | 75% of Austrians are opposed to joining NATO |
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What You'll Learn
Finland's history of military non-alignment
Finland has a history of military non-alignment, which has been a cornerstone of its security and defence policy. However, in recent years, there has been a shift away from this stance, with Finland increasingly cooperating with NATO and other Western security systems. This shift is due to a rapidly changing security climate, particularly in light of Russia's increasing aggression and assertion of interests through military means. As a result, Finland's security environment has become more unstable, and the country has had to adapt to ensure its national security and interests.
Finland's objective as a militarily non-aligned country is to stay out of conflicts. However, this position has been questioned, especially in the context of potential conflicts involving neighbouring regions or elsewhere in Europe. While Finland has not pursued full membership in NATO, it has deepened its commitment to the organization, particularly in light of tensions in Ukraine. Finland's unique relationship with Russia, stemming from its history as a part of both Sweden and Russia, has also played a role in its decision-making regarding NATO membership.
Finland has systematically divested itself of the political and legal limitations of military non-alignment. For example, it has passed an amendment enabling the provision of military assistance by combat forces, aligning with its obligations under the Lisbon Treaty. Additionally, Finland's membership in the European Union and its associated international responsibilities, such as the mutual assistance clause of the Lisbon Treaty, are incompatible with the idea of military non-alignment.
Despite the shift away from military non-alignment, there are still opponents to Finland joining NATO. Arguments against NATO membership include the loss of Finland's historical trademark as a neutral mediator, the potential financial burden, and the negative impact on Finno-Russian relations. However, public opinion in Finland has become more favourable towards NATO in recent years, with deteriorating domestic attitudes towards Russia and changing US policies also playing a role.
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Austria's Declaration of Neutrality
The Declaration of Neutrality established Austria's permanent neutrality and prohibited the country from joining any military alliances or allowing foreign military bases on its territory. The Austrian Parliament voluntarily promulgated the declaration, and it became an integral part of the country's constitution and identity. The exact words were:
> "In all future times Austria will not join any military alliances and will not permit the establishment of any foreign military bases on her territory."
Austria's commitment to neutrality has been a significant factor in its foreign relations and international standing. Its membership in the European Union and its predecessor organizations was controversial due to this neutrality stance. Austria eventually joined the EU in 1995, alongside Finland and Sweden, which had also declared their neutrality during the Cold War.
Austria's neutrality has been tested and reassessed over the years, particularly after the end of the Cold War. For example, Austria joined the Partnership for Peace program in 1995 and has participated in various UN-led peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. Despite these evolutions in Austria's foreign policy, the country has maintained its official commitment to neutrality, and public opinion polls in recent years have shown strong support for remaining neutral rather than joining NATO.
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Finland's border with Russia
Finland shares an eastern border with Russia. The first treaty concerning the border was signed in 1323 between Sweden (to which Finland then belonged) and the Novgorod Republic. The Finnish–Russian border has moved several times over the centuries, with Finland changing hands between Sweden and the Russian Empire. Finland's independence from Russia was declared in 1917, and the border between the two countries was established in 1920 with the Russian–Finnish Treaty of Tartu.
The Finland–Russia border can only be crossed at official checkpoints, and a visa is required for most people. Major border checkpoints are found in Vaalimaa and Nuijamaa, where customs services on both sides inspect and levy fees on imported goods. In late 2023, Finland closed all border checkpoints amid concerns about a sudden increase in asylum seekers entering the country via Russia. This was seen as a threat to Finland's national security and public order. Finland also stopped issuing new tourist visas to Russians in 2023 due to the Russo-Ukrainian War.
The Finnish side of the border is mostly not fenced and is marked by blue and white striped poles displaying the Finnish coat of arms. The Russian side has corresponding poles in red and green, with a short white pole marking the actual border. The border zone is not always uninhabited, but a permit is required to enter. Roads pass through the border zone to the border itself, and leaving the road is not permitted. In 2023, Finland began constructing a border barrier at the southernmost part of the border.
Finland's unique relationship with Russia is largely a result of its history. Finland was a part of Sweden and later the Russian Empire before gaining independence in 1917. This complex history has influenced Finland's approach to NATO membership. Opponents of NATO membership for Finland argue that it would result in the loss of Finland's military non-aligned status and could lead to Russian aggression towards the country. Finland's membership in NATO could also negatively impact its role as a neutral mediator in international relations. On the other hand, supporters of NATO membership cite the need to strengthen Finland's defence capabilities and alliances in light of Russian aggression in the region. Finland's decision to join NATO in 2023 drew condemnation from Moscow, illustrating the delicate balance of interests in the region.
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Austria's relationship with NATO
Austria and NATO have had a close relationship since 1995, when Austria joined the Partnership for Peace programme. Austria is one of four members of the European Union that is not a member of NATO, the others being Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Austria's constitution includes a Declaration of Neutrality, prohibiting the country from joining a military alliance, hosting foreign military bases, or participating in wars. This commitment to neutrality has been a point of contention regarding Austria's membership in the European Union and NATO.
Austria has contributed to several NATO Trust Fund projects, providing support for the destruction of mines and munitions in several countries, including Albania, Kazakhstan, Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine. The country also cooperates with NATO allies on civil preparedness, including dealing with the consequences of major accidents or disasters in the Euro-Atlantic area. Austrian scientists are also leading activities to tackle chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats under the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme.
Austria has participated in the Interoperability Platform, which brings together NATO allies and selected partners that actively contribute to NATO operations. The country has made several units available for potential NATO operations, including a battalion for the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1996 to 2001. Austria has also been a significant contributor to the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan since 2002, providing logistical support and expertise.
Despite Austria's contributions to NATO operations and programmes, the country has not sought full membership in the alliance. Public opinion in Austria largely opposes joining NATO, with a May 2022 survey finding that 75% of Austrians were against the idea. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has affirmed the country's commitment to neutrality, stating that Austria is not considering joining NATO. However, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg mentioned that Austria planned to cooperate with NATO.
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Finland's partnership with NATO
Finland has been one of NATO's most active partners and a valued contributor to NATO-led operations and missions in the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Finland's cooperation with NATO began when it joined the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program in 1994 and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council in 1997. As an 'Enhanced Opportunity Partner', Finland experienced enhanced opportunities for dialogue and cooperation with NATO Allies. Finland has also participated in the Interoperability Platform, which brings together Allies and selected partners that actively contribute to NATO's operations. In 2017, Finland and NATO signed a Political Framework Arrangement for cooperation on cyber defence, and the country participated in the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and cyber defence exercises. Finland has also been an active supporter of NATO Trust Fund projects in partner countries, contributing to projects such as the Partnership Trust Fund, the Defence and Related Security Capacity Building (DCB) Trust Fund, and the Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) for Ukraine Trust Fund.
Finland's relationship with NATO has been characterized by shared common values and extensive cooperation. However, Finland's decision to pursue full membership in NATO was not without debate. Opponents of NATO membership emphasized the loss of Finland's military non-aligned status, the considerable financial burden, and the potential negative impact on Finland's historic trademark as a neutral mediator. There were also concerns about the potential consequences for Finno-Russian relations and the possibility of Russian aggression towards Finland. Despite these concerns, Finland became a full member of NATO on April 4, 2023, depositing its Instrument of Accession to the North Atlantic Treaty with the United States government during a ceremony at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
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Frequently asked questions
Finland has a long history of doubting NATO and military alliances in general. Finland's unique relationship with Russia is largely a result of its history. Finland was a part of Sweden and Russia before gaining independence in 1917. A 2016 report by the Finnish government also concluded that Finland should not seek full NATO membership. Finland joined NATO in 2023.
Austria has a long tradition of neutrality, which is deeply ingrained in its identity. The Austrian State Treaty of 1955, which ended the occupation of Austria by the Soviet Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, included a Declaration of Neutrality that prohibits Austria from joining a military alliance.
Opponents of Finland joining NATO emphasize the loss of Finland's military non-aligned status, the financial burden, and the potential negative impact on Finland's relationship with Russia. There are also doubts about whether NATO would be capable of effectively defending Finland in a time of crisis.
Some Austrian politicians, such as conservative Andreas Khol and former Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel, have argued in favor of NATO membership, especially in light of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. They see NATO membership as part of European integration.
In Finland, public opinion on NATO membership has become more favorable in recent years, with deteriorating domestic attitudes towards Russia. However, as of 2021, only 26% of Finns were in favor of joining NATO, while 40% were against and 33% were undecided. In Austria, public opinion is largely against joining NATO, with only around 14% to 21% supporting membership, while 61% to 75% are opposed.
