Finland, Sweden join NATO, the number of neutral European countries shrinks

AP scores some countries Europe introduced the issue of neutrality into the law or generally considered itself neutral.

Switzerland

Arguably the most famously neutral country in Europe, Switzerland is constitutionally neutral and its voters decided not to join the EU decades ago. However, in the context of EU strengthening sanctions RussiaIn recent weeks, the issue of Swiss neutrality has been analyzed almost daily in the local media, according to the AP.

The US news agency said that there is little possibility of Switzerland leaving the neutral position: The government has asked Germany not to transfer military equipment of Swiss origin to Ukraine.

The right-wing, populist party that holds the largest number of seats in the Swiss parliament has been hesitant about next steps against Russia, and the Swiss people are fiercely defending its role as a mediator with countries at odds. and is the center of humanitarian and human rights activities. Neutrality helps strengthen this reputation of Switzerland.

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Austria’s neutrality is an important component of its modern democracy: As a condition for the departure of Allied forces from the country and the possibility of regaining independence in 1955, Austria declared its neutrality. on military.

Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Prime Minister Karl Nehammer has struck a fine balance on Austria’s position. He affirmed that the country has no plans to change its security status, and that declaring military neutrality does not necessarily mean being morally neutral, and Austria opposes Russia’s move in Ukraine.

Ireland

Regarding Ireland’s neutrality, Prime Minister Michael Martin stated earlier this year: “We do not political neutrality, but we are militarily neutral.”

The war in Ukraine has reopened the debate over the meaning of Irish neutrality. Ireland imposed sanctions on Russia and sent non-lethal aid to Ukraine after the outbreak of hostilities.

Ireland has been participating in EU fighting groups – part of the bloc’s efforts to harmonize the bloc’s militaries.

Malta

Malta’s constitution states that the small Mediterranean island is officially neutral by its policy of “non-alignment and refusal to participate in any military alliance”. A poll commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malta was published 2 weeks before Russia launched hostilities Ukraine shows that the vast majority of respondents support neutrality and only 6% oppose.

The Times of Malta reported last week that, during a state visit to Malta, Irish President Michael Higgins emphasized the idea of ​​”positive” neutrality and joined Maltese President George Vella in condemning the hostilities in Ukraine.

Cyprus (Cyprus)

Cyprus’s relationship with the US has grown significantly over the past decade but any idea of ​​NATO membership has remained largely unanswered, at least for now.

The president of the island nation of Cyprus said it was too early to think about a move that would inevitably face strong opposition from Turkey.

Many Cypriots – especially leftists – continue to blame NATO about the division of the island after Turkey launched military action in the mid-1970s. Turkey was a NATO member at the time – and the alliance did nothing to prevent military action. this thing.

Cyprus also wants to remain neutral and has allowed Russian warships to resupply at Cypriot ports, although that privilege was suspended after the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine.