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Austria is one of the few European countries that is not a member of NATO. This is due to the country's long-held neutrality, which is a result of its struggle to regain sovereignty after World War II. In 1955, Austria signed the Austrian State Treaty, which ended Allied occupation in return for a declaration of perpetual neutrality. While there have been recent debates on Austria joining NATO, particularly in light of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the majority of Austrians still want to remain neutral.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Austria's status in NATO | Not a member but cooperates with NATO |
| Reason for non-membership | Austria's neutrality status |
| Austria's neutrality status | Part of the Austrian identity |
| Austria's participation in NATO's Partnership for Peace | Joined in 1995 |
| Austria's participation in NATO's Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council | Yes |
| Austria's participation in UN peacekeeping operations | Yes |
| Austria's involvement in other organisations | EU, WEU |
| Austria's stance on NATO membership | Split opinions |
| Austria's stance on neutrality | Split opinions |
| Austria's stance on foreign military bases | No foreign military bases in Austria |
| Public opinion on NATO membership | Not widely popular |
| Public opinion on neutrality | Favoured |
| Political parties' stance on NATO membership | Social Democrats (SPÖ) against, Christian Democrats (ÖVP) in favour |
| Political parties' stance on neutrality | Social Democrats (SPÖ) in favour, Christian Democrats (ÖVP) against |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's neutrality status
During the Cold War, Austria's neutrality served as a bridge between East and West. The country took in refugees from the uprisings in Hungary and Czechoslovakia, and Vienna became a hub for international bodies. Austria's neutrality was also influenced by its desire to regain sovereignty and independence after World War II. This neutrality has been an important part of Austrian identity, associated with positive values such as staying out of conflicts.
However, Austria's relationship with NATO is not non-existent. The country joined NATO's Partnership for Peace in 1995 and participates in the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council. Additionally, the Austrian military contributes to United Nations peacekeeping operations and has deployments in several countries. There have been debates within Austria about giving up neutrality and joining NATO, particularly in light of recent geopolitical events. While some political parties and individuals support NATO membership, it is not widely popular with the Austrian public, who wish to maintain their neutrality status.
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Austria's involvement in both World Wars
Austria's involvement in World War I
Austria-Hungary's entry into World War I was the result of a complex interplay of factors, including the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, the complex web of alliances, and the desire to maintain its alliance with Germany. Despite warnings from Hungarian Prime Minister István Tisza that attacking Serbia would likely lead to a world war due to Russian intervention, Austria-Hungary opted to present an ultimatum to Serbia, which was designed to be rejected. This ultimatum was a significant catalyst for the conflict. Austria-Hungary's Chief of Staff von Hötzendorf had long advocated for "preventative war" against various adversaries, and Austrian Prime Minister Stürgkh feared that hesitation would cause Germany to abandon them as an ally.
Austria-Hungary's military capabilities were relatively weak compared to other great powers, as they spent the least percentage of their economic potential on their armed forces before the war. This discrepancy contributed to their eventual collapse during the war.
Austria-Hungary's forces were required to evacuate territories occupied since August 1914, including South Tirol, Tarvisio, the Isonzo Valley, Gorizia, Trieste, Istria, western Carniola, and Dalmatia, as part of the armistice signed on November 3, 1918. The emperor Charles granted autonomy to the peoples of the Austrian Empire on October 16, 1918, but this concession was overlooked internationally, and the Czechoslovaks in Prague and South Slavs in Zagreb prepared to take power.
Austria's involvement in World War II
Austria's involvement in World War II is marked by its annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938, known as the Anschluss. Several Austrian individuals played significant roles within the Nazi regime, including Adolf Hitler, Ernst Kaltenbrunner, Arthur Seyß-Inquart, and Odilo Globocnik, who oversaw the construction of extermination camps in Poland. Approximately 800,000 Austrians volunteered for the Wehrmacht, and 150,000 joined the Nazi party's military wing, the Waffen-SS. However, there were also Austrian resistance groups, such as the one led by priest Heinrich Maier, which provided valuable information to the Allies.
In 1943, the Allies agreed in the Declaration of Moscow that Austria would be regarded as the first victim of Nazi aggression, despite acknowledging its role in Nazi crimes. After World War II, Austria was jointly occupied by the Western Allies and the Soviet Union until 1955, and it received significant aid through the Marshall Plan. The country benefited economically, with heavy industries quickly recovering, and it served as a bridge between East and West during the Cold War.
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Austria's participation in NATO's Partnership for Peace
Austria has maintained a close relationship with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) since 1995, when it joined the Partnership for Peace programme. This programme allows for increased interoperability between the Austrian military and other NATO member states, and brings them in line with accepted international standards for overseas peacekeeping operations. Austria has also participated in NATO's Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council.
However, there have been debates in Austria about giving up neutrality and joining NATO as a full member. Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, there has been renewed discussion on Austria joining the bloc, similar to how Austria joined the EU in 1995 alongside Finland and Sweden, who had also declared their neutrality during the Cold War. Despite these debates, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer affirmed the country's commitment to neutrality in 2024, stating that Austria would not be considering joining NATO.
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Austria's EU membership
As a member of the EU, Austria has representatives who participate in decision-making processes in various institutions, including the European Council, the Council of the EU, and the European Parliament. Austria's membership in the EU has also influenced its stance on neutrality and NATO membership, with some arguing that its neutrality has been constrained by its EU membership. Austria's economy has thrived due to its EU membership, benefiting from the Single Market, increased exports, greater competitiveness, and support for companies. Additionally, Austria has received significant funding from the EU for research and innovation, contributing to the country's economic growth.
Austria's foreign trade has been positively impacted by its EU membership, particularly with regard to trade with other EU member states. Approximately 70% of Austria's foreign trade is conducted with EU member states, resulting in significant savings for the Austrian economy. The removal of trade barriers within the EU has facilitated increased exports and the expansion of Austrian products across the EU market.
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Austria's desire to be independent
Austria's desire to remain independent has been a key factor in its decision not to join NATO. After the end of World War II, Austria was occupied by the four victorious Allied powers, including the Soviet Union, which insisted on Austrian neutrality. In 1955, Austria signed a treaty with the Allies, agreeing to remain neutral in exchange for independence. This commitment to neutrality was then enshrined in the Austrian constitution in the Declaration of Neutrality.
Over time, neutrality became an integral part of Austrian identity, associated with positive values such as sovereignty, independence, and peace. Austrians took pride in their country's role as a bridge between East and West during the Cold War, providing refuge to those fleeing conflict in Hungary and Czechoslovakia. Vienna, in particular, became a hub for international organisations, hosting several UN bodies. This period reinforced Austria's desire to maintain its neutrality and independence in foreign policy matters.
Despite being a member of the EU, which has constrained its neutrality to some extent, Austria has resisted joining NATO due to this strong cultural and historical commitment to neutrality. The Austrian public has consistently opposed joining NATO, and the country's political parties have been divided on the issue. While some, like the conservative People's Party, have advocated for NATO membership, others, such as the Social Democrats, have strongly favoured retaining Austrian neutrality.
Austria's independence is further demonstrated by its participation in various international organisations and missions outside of NATO. It joined NATO's Partnership for Peace in 1995 and contributes to the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council. The Austrian military also takes part in United Nations peacekeeping operations and has deployments in several countries, including leading the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While there have been debates and shifting opinions on NATO membership, particularly in light of recent geopolitical events, Austria's desire for independence and neutrality has remained a consistent and fundamental aspect of its foreign policy.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria has a long-standing commitment to neutrality, which is a ban on joining military alliances such as NATO.
Austria was occupied by the Allies after World War II. In 1955, Austria signed a treaty with the Allies, which ended the occupation in return for a declaration of perpetual neutrality.
Austria joined the EU in 1995, which constrained its neutrality. There have been debates about giving up neutrality and joining NATO, but the majority of Austrians want to remain neutral.
Austria is not currently a member of NATO and Chancellor Karl Nehammer has rejected the idea of reopening Austria's neutrality. A 2022 survey found that only 14% of Austrians supported joining NATO, while 75% were opposed.
