By: Talk to Al Jazeera
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg discusses Austria’s military non-alignment policy.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted countries such as Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership.
However, Austria has shown no interest in joining the alliance. It has been neutral since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1955.
In fact, Austria’s law of neutrality declares that the country will never join a military alliance.
Vienna’s long-held position of non-alignment has made it a hub for international organizations.
But the Austrian capital is nearly 500 km (310 mi) from the border with Ukraine. So is neutrality the best way to ensure national security?
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg talks to Al Jazeera.