Austria should consider NATO membership - Meinl‑Reisinger

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl‑Reisinger called for a national debate on NATO membership in an interview on 26 July, challenging the country’s long-standing policy of neutrality.

Meinl‑Reisinger told German daily Die Welt that “Neutrality alone does not protect us,” adding that Austria should “have a national debate about our security policy and NATO”, given Moscow’s recent aggression. She noted there is currently no parliamentary or public majority for accession, but a discussion is overdue.

Consitutionally neutral since 1955

Austria’s neutrality is enshrined in its Constitution and has been official doctrine since 1955. While the country participates in EU defence cooperation and NATO’s Partnership for Peace, it has never pursued full membership in the alliance.

The ministry did not issue an official press release but confirmed the foreign minister’s comments in follow-up media queries. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has not yet commented.

The development comes as Austria faces growing pressure to bolster its defence posture in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine and as other traditionally neutral European states reassess their strategic alignments.

Austria to militarise at slower rate than peers

Austria’s military spending remains below NATO thresholds but is set to increase significantly. The Austrian government committed in 2022 to raise defence expenditure to 1.5% of GDP by 2027 and to 2% by 2032, according to the country’s military modernisation plan.

Public support for NATO membership remains low. A 2023 Gallup poll found just 21% of Austrians in favour of joining, with 61% opposed and the remainder undecided, UK business daily The Financial Times wrote.

Nordic countries highlight shifting security situation

Finland and Sweden abandoned their long-standing neutrality and joined NATO in 2023 and 2024, respectively, citing heightened security threats from Russia. Austria, bordered by NATO members Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia, is increasingly the odd one out in Central Europe’s defence landscape.

Austria also participates in EU military missions and is a signatory of the EU’s Strategic Compass. Meinl‑Reisinger said neutrality should not prevent Austria from contributing to European defence integration, adding that “we must not fall behind in this process”.