Ostrich and Austria's Security
Op-ed
Since ancient times, the ostrich has been said to bury its head in the sand when danger threatens.
We therefore speak of ostrich politics when political decision-makers close their eyes to a danger or ignore unpleasant realities. In reality, when danger approaches, the breeding ostrich lies flat on the ground, stretching its head and neck straight out. This may have led to the legend of sticking one's head in the sand.
So even if this idiom was always unfair to its namesake, the image of the head stuck in the sand inevitably comes to mind when looking at Austrian security policy. Since the brutal war of aggression launched by Putin's Russia against Ukraine, the security policy coordinates in Europe have been shifting.
Finland, which was already once the victim of a Soviet war of aggression in the winter of 1939/40, has agreed to join NATO with a broad parliamentary majority. Sweden signed an application for membership after a change of heart by its ruling Social Democrats. Even Denmark, which had an opt-out guaranteed by the Maastricht Treaty, is doing a U-turn and will hold a referendum in June to decide whether it should participate in European security and defense policy after all.
Since February 24, Europe seems to draw its conclusions from the new security situation. All of Europe? No. In Austria alone, security policy still does not seem to have arrived in reality. While German Economics Minister Habeck is working vehemently to end dependence on Russian gas and oil, no comparable efforts are apparent in Austria. While Germany is putting together a 100-billion package for the armed forces, there is no agreement in Austria's governing coalition, neither on the figures nor on the target for the armed forces. On the other hand, it is already clear that the suspension of militia exercises, an election campaign gag from 2006, will not be ended. Thus, basic military conscripts will continue to be trained for six months, only to be sent home again without being used.
Unfortunately, it must be noted that Austria's security policy has not learned any lessons from the invasion of Ukraine other than mere rhetoric. Continuing to bury its head in the sand and ignore events all around is not an option. Hoping, as in the past, that nothing will happen or that other EU countries will take over the defense in case of emergency is not an option either - neither practically nor morally. The tragedy unfolding before our eyes in Ukraine should show that it is time to rethink. Time to recognize that the front edge of the defense for peace and freedom in Europe is currently in the Donbas. Time to stop hiding behind neutrality, which has become increasingly meaningless in legal and practical terms, and to redefine it. Time for a committed, solidary participation of Austria in the European security and defense policy.
Op-ed published originally in German in Oberösterreichische Nachrichten on May, 23rd, 2022.
