Meinl-Reisinger criticizes "Hands-Off Understanding" of Neutrality

The Treaty of Lisbon stipulates in Article 42 (7) that in the event of an armed attack on an EU member, all other states of the European Union must provide assistance, said Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) on Monday evening during a panel discussion in Vienna. However, it remains open in what form this assistance will take place, she explained with regard to Austrian neutrality.

Meinl-Reisinger: Security Policy Discussions Are Immediately Reduced to NATO Membership

Meinl-Reisinger was questioned at the Bruno Kreisky Forum for International Dialogue by journalists Raimund Löw and Cathrin Kahlweit on various foreign policy issues. The liberal politician criticized a "keep-out understanding" of neutrality - even in cases where there is a "blatant breach of the UN Charter," such as in the case of Russia's attack on Ukraine. Regarding the question of joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), similar to the former neutral countries Sweden and Finland, Meinl-Reisinger reminded that "the Austrians do not want this membership." At the same time, she lamented that in Austria, security policy discussions are immediately reduced to "NATO membership yes or no or neutrality yes or no."

The minister also referred to the "fragility" of previous securities in light of the policies of US President Donald Trump: "One thing is certain with Trump, that much will remain uncertain." At the same time, the US President also "has a point when it comes to NATO, when it comes to Europe," she said. Europeans cannot "always say, the USA will take care of our affairs": "I believe we need to wake up in Europe." She expressed confidence that the rifts between the USA and Europe can be mended: "Ultimately, we will realize that we have many more common interests."

Russia's "Hybrid Warfare" Through Disinformation

Regarding Russia's disinformation and propaganda, the minister emphasized: "The biggest mistake is not to counter it." As an example, she referred to the repeated attacks and threats by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. He had taken statements from her as an occasion to threaten Austria with military force in the event of NATO membership. "This is part of hybrid warfare," Meinl-Reisinger clarified, it is not about her personally. Austria is "a total hub of Russian information manipulation because we also have such willing propaganda aides," she lamented. In this context, she expressed the wish that a social media monitoring should be introduced in the Foreign Ministry to see "what narratives are currently circulating." One must "keep up with the times."

Recognize Palestine "As Soon As There Is a Process Towards Statehood"

On the topic of the Middle East and the Gaza war, the minister emphasized that standing on the side of Israel does not mean the same as standing on the side of the Israeli government. The sanctions discussion in the EU has rather weakened Europe's position in the region, she noted. Austria, on the other hand, has achieved through its positioning that it is "still being listened to" in Israel. On the topic of recognizing a state of Palestine, which several countries have recently undertaken, but Austria has so far rejected, she said: "As soon as there is a process towards statehood, where I also know what I am recognizing, Austria is ready to recognize as well." She lamented anti-Semitic attacks on Jews in recent times in connection with the Gaza war: "It breaks my heart that Jews are exposed to massive attacks and have to serve as a scapegoat for criticism of the decisions of the Israeli government." The "thin protective wall of civilization" is now being breached by the "anti-Semitism that has always been there."

(APA/Red)

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