Lexi Webster
Austria has not been a member of NATO, but it has had formal relations with the organization since 1995 when it joined the Partnership for Peace programme. Austria is one of four EU member states, along with Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta, that are not members of NATO. Austria's neutrality has strong roots in the Cold War confrontation, and the country's neutrality was insisted upon by the Soviet Union during negotiations to end the occupation of Austria by the Allied powers after World War II. While some Austrian politicians have argued in favor of NATO membership, particularly in light of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has stated that the country will continue its policy of neutrality, a stance that is supported by most Austrians.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year Austria joined NATO's Partnership for Peace | 1995 |
| Austria's participation in peacekeeping operations | Kosovo, Lebanon, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Political parties in support of NATO membership | NEOS, ÖVP |
| Political parties against NATO membership | SPÖ |
| Public opinion on NATO membership | 21% in favour, 60-61% opposed |
| Current stance on NATO membership | Austria remains neutral |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's neutrality
Over time, neutrality has become an essential part of Austrian national identity. Even after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Austrians remain largely committed to neutrality. In March 2022, 76% of Austrians favoured remaining neutral, and only 18% supported joining NATO. This stance has been criticised as self-serving, with Austria benefiting from cheap Russian gas and investments by Russian oligarchs.
Austria's relationship with NATO is complex. While it is not a member, it has had formal relations since 1995 when it joined the Partnership for Peace programme. Austria also participates in UN-led peacekeeping missions and has deployments in several countries, including Kosovo, Lebanon, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Despite pressure from some politicians, diplomats, and artists to reconsider neutrality, the Austrian government has reaffirmed its commitment to this stance. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer stated that the country will remain neutral, and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said in 2024 that Austria was not considering NATO membership.
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Public opinion
However, in the context of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, there has been a shift in public sentiment in Austria, with a growing minority questioning the country's neutrality and considering the benefits of joining NATO. In a May 2022 poll, 75% of Austrians opposed joining NATO, while only 14% supported it. Another survey conducted in March 2023 by the Austrian Society for European Politics found that 21% were in favour of NATO ascension, with 61% against it. This indicates a slight increase in support for NATO membership compared to previous years, but it still represents a minority view.
The two main right-wing parties in Austria, the Christian Democrat Österreichische Volkspartei (ÖVP) and the far-right Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs (FPÖ), have clearly expressed their support for NATO membership. However, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has reaffirmed the country's commitment to neutrality, stating that Austria "was neutral, is neutral, and will remain neutral."
Despite the ongoing debate and shifting public opinion, it is important to note that abandoning neutrality in Austria would require a two-thirds majority in the National Council, which is currently considered unlikely. Additionally, support for neutrality remains high, with 91% of Austrians surveyed stating that it is important to them. As such, public opinion in Austria continues to favour neutrality over NATO membership, even amidst the changing security landscape in Europe.
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Austria's participation in peacekeeping operations
Austria has had formal relations with NATO since 1995 when it joined the Partnership for Peace programme and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council. Austria's participation in NATO operations has been limited to peacekeeping missions, with the Austrian military deploying troops to several countries, including Kosovo, Lebanon, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since 2009, Austria has led the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Austria's involvement in NATO operations has been influenced by its history of neutrality. After World War II, Austria was occupied by the four victorious Allied powers, including the Soviet Union, which insisted on Austrian neutrality during negotiations to end the occupation. This led to the Austrian State Treaty in 1955, which established the country's neutrality. As a result, Austria has never joined NATO as a full member but has maintained close relations with the organization.
Public opinion in Austria has generally been opposed to joining NATO, with only 21% of Austrians supporting membership according to a 2023 survey. However, there have been some voices in favour of closer integration with NATO, including conservative politicians and a coalition of politicians, diplomats, artists, and businesspeople who wrote an open letter to the government in 2022 requesting a review of the country's neutrality policy.
Despite the debate, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has reaffirmed the country's commitment to neutrality, stating that Austria is not considering joining NATO as a full member. However, Austria has expressed its willingness to cooperate with NATO and participate in peacekeeping operations within the framework of its Partnership for Peace membership.
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Austria's partnership with NATO
Austria and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have enjoyed formal relations since 1995, when Austria joined the Partnership for Peace programme. Austria is one of four EU member states that have declared their non-alignment with military alliances, along with Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta.
Austria's neutrality was established after World War II, when the country was occupied by the four victorious Allied powers under the Allied Control Council. During negotiations to end the occupation, the Soviet Union insisted on Austria adopting a neutral position, similar to Switzerland. This was granted in 1955 with the Austrian State Treaty. Austria's neutrality was further elevated by the late Social Democratic Chancellor Bruno Kreisky, who governed from 1970 to 1983, making it a key part of Austrian identity.
Despite its neutrality, Austria has participated in United Nations peacekeeping operations and has deployments in several countries, including Kosovo, Lebanon, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it has led the EUFOR mission since 2009. Austria's military contributions and participation in the Partnership for Peace programme demonstrate its commitment to international security and peace.
In recent years, there has been a renewed debate in Austria about joining NATO, particularly after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent decision by Finland and Sweden to join the alliance. While some Austrian politicians, like conservative Andreas Khol and former Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel, have argued in favour of NATO membership, the current Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, has reaffirmed the country's neutrality. Public opinion polls in 2022 and 2023 showed that only around 14% to 21% of Austrians supported joining NATO, with a majority opposed.
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NATO membership
Austria has not been a member of NATO, but it has had formal relations with the organization since 1995 when it joined the Partnership for Peace programme. Austria is one of four EU member states, along with Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta, that are not members of NATO.
Austria's neutrality has its roots in the country's struggle to regain sovereignty after World War II. The Austrian State Treaty of 1955 granted the country neutrality, following years of Soviet resistance. Austria's neutrality was also influenced by its proximity to the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Despite its neutrality, Austria has participated in United Nations peacekeeping operations and has deployments in several countries, including Kosovo, Lebanon, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it has led the EUFOR mission since 2009. Austria's partnership with NATO is seen as a logical consequence of its EU membership, and the country participates in NATO's Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council.
There have been debates and differing opinions in Austria regarding NATO membership. Some politicians, diplomats, and other figures have advocated for abandoning neutrality and joining NATO, particularly in light of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, Austrian public opinion has largely opposed joining NATO, with surveys in 2022 and 2023 showing that only a minority of Austrians support NATO membership. The current Austrian Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, has affirmed the country's commitment to neutrality.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Austria is not a member of NATO. It is one of four EU member states, along with Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta, that are not members of NATO.
Austria became neutral as an outcome of its struggle to regain sovereignty after World War II. This neutrality was granted in 1955 by the Austrian State Treaty following years of Soviet foot-dragging. Austria has maintained this neutrality due to a residue of nationalist sentiment that resists closer NATO ties.
Austria has had formal relations with NATO since 1995 when it joined the Partnership for Peace programme. Austria also participates in the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and the United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Austria's position on NATO has largely remained unchanged. However, following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, there has been renewed debate in Austria on joining NATO. A survey in April 2023 found that only 21% of Austrians supported joining NATO, while 60% were opposed.
