Austria maintains neutral status because of different circumstances from Finland, Sweden

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg – Photo: AFP

“Our case seems to be a little different from theirs,” Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg told German radio station Deutschlandfunk on May 18.

Earlier on the same day, the representatives of Finland and Sweden officially applied to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) despite warnings from Russia and the objections of Turkey, a NATO country. .

If these two countries are admitted, according to Reuters news agency, this will be an event that could change the European security architecture for decades.

Finland and Sweden have for many years maintained their position neutral when choosing to join the European Union but stay outside of NATO. Finland shares a border of more than 1,300km with Russia, and both countries block the way in and out of the Baltic Sea.

When asked about the decisions of Helsinki and Stockholm, Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg said the majority of Austrians still support and want the state to maintain neutrality as before.

According to Schallenberg, Austria will still support Ukraine, but not with bombs, but with humanitarian goods.

“We are still helping Ukraine on a large scale but not with bombs and I think helping Ukraine should not stop at just sending bombs and bullets there,” the Austrian diplomat thought.

Like many other European countries, Austria depends on energy supplies from Russia. According to Reuters, about 80% of Austrian gas imports come from Russia.

The change of opinion of neutral countries in Europe and the decision to lean towards one side took place after Russia sent troops into Ukraine.

Earlier this month, Switzerland, a non-EU country and long known as a neutral country, also hinted that it might join a military alliance in the new context. Maintaining neutrality kept Switzerland from being dragged into two fierce world wars in the 20th century.

NATO accepts applications from Finland and Sweden to join

TTO – NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called Finland and Sweden’s abandonment of their neutrality status to join the military pact a “historic moment” and NATO will not miss the opportunity to seize it. there.