“Austria’s military neutrality is enshrined in our constitution and is part of our national identity. Vienna will always be a capital of dialogue,” said Schallenberg.
“We participate in European security policy, but joining NATO is not up for discussion and the Austrian public supports neutrality with conviction. In a world in which conflicts on an economic, military and intellectual basis have become more open, neutrality can be restored be of value,” said the 52-year-old minister.
Nuclear threats should be taken seriously
According to Schallenberg, Russia’s nuclear threats should be taken seriously. “Anyone who has a gun will use it sooner or later. Even talking about it is playing with fire,” warned the minister. According to Schallenberg, it will take time for the effects of the sanctions on the Russian economy to become apparent. “The EU has never put together such a package of sanctions. It’s a huge effort for us and our citizens, which we shouldn’t downplay. We shouldn’t believe the Russian propaganda that claims it has no effect either. But we want to harm Russia without boycotting ourselves. It should also be borne in mind that the various European economies are dependent on Russia to varying degrees, for example in the energy sector,” said the minister.
Austria so far against gas embargo
Austria gets around 80 percent of its gas supplies from Russia and has so far spoken out against a Russian gas embargo. “In my opinion, countries should discuss these issues among themselves behind closed doors and only then announce measures. Instead, the debate on sanctions is now being conducted publicly. In any case: imposing restrictions on Russian oil is less complicated than a gas embargo. Yes, “It’s frustrating. Yes, we should have thought of that earlier. But now it’s like this. Getting rid of Russian gas can only be a long process, which will also be expensive,” said Schallenberg.
Much about Russia has not been understood in recent years. “Over the past 77 years, the process of European integration has convinced us that everyone wants to live and maintain international relationships like us. Instead, we find ourselves in a situation of systemic rivalry,” said Schallenberg.
Source: Nachrichten
