Austrian Defense Minister on Sky Shield: “We are anything but freeriders”

SonntagsBlick: Ms. Tanner, Finland has joined NATO and Sweden would like to join soon. Why does Austria want to remain neutral?
Claudia Tanner: Neutrality is enshrined in our constitution. Joining NATO would be against our constitution. This is also the view of the Austrians, according to surveys.

As a member of the European Union, Austria is obliged to provide aid to EU countries. Isn’t Austrian neutrality just window dressing?
No not at all. We are a very credible and reliable partner in European security and defense policy. This can be seen not least in numerous international peacekeeping missions, to which we make an important contribution – especially in the Western Balkans. A total of 1,000 to 1,200 military personnel are deployed to Austria. Put that in relation to the 5,000 German soldiers on peacekeeping missions. This shows that we are anything but freeriders.

Austria still gets more than half of its gas imports from Russia.
We need to reduce that dependency. And that has already been achieved to a very large extent. Austria relies on green energy and does a lot, especially in defense. We want to make our barracks self-sufficient and rely on biomass and photovoltaic energy.

Who is more critical of NATO? You because of Austria’s neutrality – or your colleague Viola Amherd because of Switzerland’s neutrality?
I would like to clarify what is at stake: military neutrality, which is enshrined in the Constitution. Neutrality does not mean indifference. Austria made it clear from the start who the aggressor was and how the violation of international law came about. We do a lot of work as part of peacekeeping missions – and that’s what Switzerland does too.

You signed a letter of intent in Bern: you want to join the European air defense initiative Sky Shield. Why?
We are convinced that the missile shield is the right answer to protect our airspace. This is consistent with our neutrality. In an additional statement, Austria and Switzerland make it clear that we will maintain our air sovereignty and sovereignty. On a technical level, however, things are becoming much simpler, for example in purchasing.

What does the protective shield bring?
He protects our people.

You recently had a quarrel with the Austrian Federal President. It was about mine clearance in Ukraine. They raised constitutional concerns.
We have contributed to the OSCE from the very beginning. And we decided to raise the financial level again.

Former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz will soon be indicted. They both belong to the same party. Is the ÖVP already shaking?
I am convinced that the judiciary will make the right decisions. The question I ask myself is: why do procedures take so long?

Viola Amherd is the first female defense minister in Switzerland, you are the first in Austria. Does that make a difference in encounters?
We finally have to get away from the gender issue. It involves a competent person who is committed to national defense and is in the right place. It was a special pleasure for me to see Viola Amherd again. In general, it is always a very special pleasure with her – which has nothing to do with gender.

I would also ask a man this question: in Bern you wore a blazer with a subtle camouflage print. A statement?
Not at all (laughs). I’m fashion conscious – that’s a personal passion I support.

What do you think of Switzerland?
I am enthusiastic about Switzerland – about the landscape, about the people.

Are you angry with your German colleague Boris Pistorius? Due to his tight schedule, the joint meeting did not take place on the Matterhorn, but in Bern.
I’m not mad at Boris (laughs). Bern was also a great experience. Viola gave us a very special welcome yesterday. I leave with very positive impressions.