Austrian Parliament Debates Army Readiness Amidst Neutrality Concerns

Austrian MPs recently convened to discuss the state defense and the challenges it faces. A key point of contention: balancing military readiness with Austria’s long-standing neutrality.

Defense Report Highlights Tensions

The State Defense Report 2024/2025 paints a picture of continuous tension, noting that while reforms have yielded some success, the Federal Army’s operational capacity remains limited. The most pressing issue, according to the report, is the personnel situation, with the Ministry of Defense having largely exhausted its options and requiring additional incentives beyond its current scope.

During the plenary debate, staffing shortages emerged as a central theme, garnering attention from both government and opposition parties, all of whom acknowledged the need for urgent action. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner expressed satisfaction with the cross-party consensus to bolster the Federal Army.

Freedom Party’s Neutrality Concerns

The Freedom Party (FPÖ) raised concerns regarding Austria’s neutrality in relation to European defense initiatives. They introduced two resolutions, previously rejected by the Defense Committee, reiterating their stance. One resolution called for halting payments to the “War Party Ukraine” via the European Peace Facility, citing Austria’s strained budget and neutrality laws, as detailed in Application 266/a (e).

The FPÖ also voiced opposition to the European Sky Shield Initiative (Essi), arguing it is deeply embedded within NATO structures. They proposed a motion to withdraw from Sky Shield and nullify prior agreements, as outlined in Motion 180/a (e).

FPÖ Argues for Increased Military Personnel

Volker Reifenberger of the FPÖ stated that the goal of defending Austria against military attacks is currently a “pious wish to the Christ child.” He called for quadrupling the mobile force to 55,000 soldiers, expanding basic military service, and reinstating mandatory militia exercises. Reifenberger also advocated for salaries that are competitive with the civilian sector and financial recognition of officers’ academic training.

Christian Schandor (FPÖ) echoed concerns about personnel shortages, calling it the Federal Army’s “Achilles heel.” He emphasized the need for “national determination and social backing,” along with addressing infrastructure investment backlogs. Schandor criticized the defense budget, projecting it to be just over 1% of GDP in 2025 and 2026; this figure lags behind the NATO guideline of 2% of GDP that member states should spend on defense, which only nine European members met in 2014 but which grew to 20 in 2024 (Council on Foreign Relations).

Gerhard Kaniak (FPÖ) stressed the party’s commitment to air defense capabilities while upholding neutrality, opposing Essi membership due to concerns that operations would be conducted jointly with NATO.

Furthermore, Axel Kassegger (FPÖ) criticized payments to the “War Party Ukraine,” viewing the European Peace Facility as a “perfection of the debt union.” He also took issue with Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger’s visit to Ukraine, suggesting it compromised Austria’s neutrality.

Greens Advocate for Investing in People

David Stögmüller of the Green Party acknowledged improvements in the Armed Forces but noted missed opportunities, especially concerning personnel. He emphasized the need for “more investments in people, not just in metal,” citing surveys that highlight work environment and work-life balance as critical issues.

Stögmüller proposed improvements to corporate culture, including better treatment of LGBTIQ+ personnel, ending assistance operations, raising basic military service salaries, and renovating barracks.

Meri Disoski (Greens) criticized the FPÖ’s initiatives, labeling them “two of many Putin-friendly initiatives.” She asserted that support for Ukraine, including payments to the European Peace Facility, does not violate neutrality and is crucial in light of “daily brutal attacks in Russia.”

To counter funding of the “Russian War Fund,” Disoski introduced a motion urging the government to support the European Commission’s proposals to halt Russian energy imports by 2027. The motion was supported only by the Greens.

Coalition Supports Federal Army’s Reconstruction

Friedrich Ofenauer (ÖVP) stated that the comprehensive national defense, enshrined in the constitution 50 years ago, is now “more recent than ever.” He credited Defense Minister Tanner with initiating a “paradigm shift” and noted a broad consensus for providing the Federal Army with sufficient funding.

Michael Hammer and Maria Neumann (both ÖVP) expressed satisfaction with the Federal Army’s development plan. Hammer accused the FPÖ of echoing “Russian narrative[s],” while Neumann cautioned against criticizing the Federal Army’s state, suggesting it could become a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” Manfred Hofinger (ÖVP) lauded the investments and called the report a “success report”.

Robert Laimer (SPÖ) viewed the state defense report as a “warning signal,” indicating that Austria’s military defense is currently insufficient due to personnel issues. He advocated for measures to address this and emphasized the importance of foreign missions to maintain stability in Europe.

Petra Oberrauner (SPÖ) opposed the FPÖ’s initiatives, describing Sky Shield as an “active defense of neutrality.” Petra Tanzler (SPÖ) called for leveraging the potential of women in the army. Paul Stich (SPÖ) emphasized the need to confront actors who view war as a legitimate geopolitical tool.

Douglas Hoyos-Trautmansdorff (NEOS) argued that Austria had been “looked at too isolated” for too long, stressing the importance of European cooperation. He accused the FPÖ of failing to “arrive in reality” and wanting to “deliver Austria to a dictator.”

Defense Minister Applauds Consensus

Minister Tanner welcomed the widespread consensus across party lines regarding budgetary and personnel strengthening of the Federal Army. She affirmed that the “joint effort” to implement comprehensive state defense would achieve its goal. Responding to Christian Schandor (FPÖ), she highlighted the significance of “national determination.” To David Stögmüller, she said that “bad speeches” of the Federal Army would not help. Tanner also noted a 74% reduction in early departures from the army.