Austrian neutrality, born from the Cold War, must be reassessed in light of the current security situation. An honest debate is long overdue.
In 1955, neutrality was the price of freedom – a compromise between East and West that restored Austria's sovereignty. But the world of 1955 no longer exists. The Cold War is over, the Soviet Union dissolved, and Europe faces entirely new security challenges.
Neutrality has brought Austria economic prosperity, no question. But can we afford to continue standing on the sidelines while our neighbors – Finland, Sweden – have recognized that collective security is the only way?
Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has shown that territorial aggression in Europe is possible again. Neutral states are no exception – they are potential targets because they are not protected by Article 5.
It is time for an open debate in Austria. Not to casually abandon neutrality, but to honestly analyze whether it still corresponds to the security realities of the 21st century.
