"Außenpolitik"

Vienna, Austria – Austria’s Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger informed members of the National Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee today about the status of ongoing reforms to the autonomy statute for South Tyrol, a region in northern Italy with a significant German-speaking population. The proposed changes, currently in the final stages of approval by the Italian Parliament, aim to restore and expand the powers of the autonomous provinces of South Tyrol and Trentino.

Meinl-Reisinger detailed that the new statute includes a “protective clause” designed to safeguard the region’s existing level of autonomy. She anticipates the formal transmission of the documents to the Austrian government within the framework of the bilateral treaty between Austria and Italy concerning South Tyrol this spring, according to a report from the Austrian Press Agency (OTS).

The discussion in the Foreign Affairs Committee also encompassed broader issues concerning Austria and the European Union, including transatlantic relations, the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, migration, development cooperation, and EU enlargement policy. The committee acknowledged the Foreign Ministry’s 2024 annual report on Austria’s position in key international affairs, with the votes of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) dissenting.

The Italian Parliament has already passed the first reading of the reform in both chambers, the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. A second reading in both chambers is still required, as the changes constitute amendments to the Italian constitution. A key element of the reform is the aforementioned “consent clause,” a constitutional safeguard intended to prevent future modifications to the autonomy statute that would diminish the region’s current level of self-governance.

Meinl-Reisinger explained that the reform seeks to reinstate certain competencies and decision-making authority that had been gradually eroded following the 2001 Italian constitutional reform and subsequent rulings by the Constitutional Court. The legislation also aims to broaden the scope of autonomous legislative powers.

According to the Foreign Minister, the formal notification process to Austria is pending. Selma Yildirim, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), inquired about the timing of this notification and was informed by Meinl-Reisinger that it is expected this spring.

While acknowledging some regained competencies, FPÖ representatives expressed concerns about potential drawbacks of the reform. Christofer Ranzmaier of the FPÖ cited the potential loss of certain minority rights and the alteration of the German-language designation of the region to “Trentino-South Tyrol/Alto Adige” as points of contention. He also raised concerns that references to “national interests” could lead to decisions detrimental to South Tyrol, and criticized the lack of activity within the relevant South Tyrol subcommittee.

David Stögmüller of the Green Party also advocated for the reconvening of the subcommittee to facilitate more in-depth examination of the issue. However, members of the governing coalition argued that addressing the South Tyrol issue within the broader context of the Foreign Affairs Committee was sufficient. Dominik Oberhofer of the NEOS party disputed the FPÖ’s substantive criticisms, noting that parties aligned with the FPÖ, such as “Fratelli d’Italia” and the “Lega Nord,” had supported the document.

Muna Duzdar of the SPÖ characterized the South Tyrol autonomy as a successful model for other regions. Meinl-Reisinger reiterated the Austrian government’s commitment to the autonomy of South Tyrol and the protection of its German- and Ladin-speaking populations, noting that South Tyrol’s Landeshauptmann, Arno Kompatscher, had expressed gratitude for Austria’s support.

Meinl-Reisinger anticipates that the reform could be finalized by the end of 2026, following a second reading in both chambers of the Italian Parliament.

The Foreign Minister also addressed the need for Europe to more assertively pursue its interests internationally. Referring to discussions at the Munich Security Conference, she emphasized the importance of a dual approach that balances transatlantic partnerships with a strengthened sense of European self-assurance. She stated that Europe has the right to safeguard its own interests and security, a position she believes is also acknowledged by the United States.

Responding to concerns raised by FPÖ representative Susanne Fürst regarding potential U.S. Criticism of planned EU restrictions on social media platforms, Meinl-Reisinger asserted that no European country shares the view that these measures constitute censorship. She explained that the EU’s focus is on holding major platforms accountable for combating disinformation and protecting democratic values.

Regarding China, Meinl-Reisinger stated she did not perceive any dismissive attitude towards Europe, noting that Chinese officials had expressed interest in a stable multilateral partnership during the Munich Security Conference. She also indicated that Russia has not demonstrated a genuine willingness to pursue peace in Ukraine, despite U.S. Efforts, and that pressure on Russia, including sanctions, must be maintained. The EU is currently negotiating a 20th package of sanctions against Russia.