Ludwig sees neutrality as an opportunity for Austria
The Mayor of Vienna and Governor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) confirmed on Thursday that Austria’s neutrality offers the opportunity to offer itself as a place for talks. In a speech in the Bundesrat – Vienna took over the presidency of the state chamber in the middle of the year – he pointed out that the Russian attack on Ukraine had created a war situation “of which we could no longer imagine on this scale”.
After the war in the former Yugoslavia, armed conflicts have broken out again in Europe, he said. “That is frightening and means that our orientation in the peace order that we have planned for a common Europe is called into question in many areas.” After the accession of Sweden and Finland, Austria was the only EU country on the mainland that did not belong to NATO, emphasized Ludwig.
After the start of the war in Ukraine, neutrality came up for discussion. Ludwig, however, was convinced that joining the alliance was not the right path: “NATO would not suffer a major setback if we brought in our claimed competence.” The approval of neutrality is also very high, it acts as a “meaningful element” and is a valuable instrument of Austria’s identity.
He emphasized that maintaining Austria as a location for peace-building and peace-keeping initiatives is a great opportunity. Conflict parties could be brought together here – in a neutral place for discussions. “I think that’s a chance we have.” You have a high level of international competence with a great reputation, said Ludwig.
The situation is currently difficult due to the rise in energy prices, emphasized the Viennese head of state. “It’s a challenge that all of Europe has to shoulder.” He referred to his recent request for a price summit. It makes sense to put the various proposals for a solution that have been made on the table and to seek a common solution.
There are good suggestions from the federal government, from the federal states, the parties, the social partners and the European Commission. “It would make sense to look at what is even nationally possible.” They were pleased that the German Vice Chancellor and Economics Minister Robert Habeck examined the large heat pump in Vienna-Simmering during his visit to Austria and praised this project as exemplary.