Austria's New Coalition: Commitment to EU and Support for Ukraine

Austrian Coalition's Commitment to the EU and Ukraine

This article highlights Austria's new government coalition's stance on the European Union and support for Ukraine, along with details about its foreign policy and recent political developments.

Key Highlights:

• Austrian coalition's commitment to the European Union.
• Support for Ukraine with a focus on humanitarian aid.
• Maintaining Austria's traditional neutrality.
• New foreign minister expected to be NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger.

Austrian Coalition's Vision

Austria's newly formed coalition, which includes the conservative Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), and the liberal NEOS, emphasizes its dedication to the European Union.

"Austria's actions will continue to be characterized by cooperation and solidarity within the European Union,"

stated the coalition in their program presented on Thursday.

Support for Ukraine

The coalition also aligns with the EU's stance on Ukraine. Plans to appoint a Ukraine coordinator have been discussed as part of this support.

Austria's Neutrality

Despite this support, the coalition has reiterated that Austria's neutrality remains intact. Austria is not a NATO member, and its assistance to Ukraine will be confined to humanitarian aid.

Political Context

This coalition marks the end of Austria's longest government formation period. Following the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ)'s win in September's parliamentary election, coalition negotiations with the ÖVP broke down due to disagreements over foreign policy.

New Leadership

Beate Meinl-Reisinger, leader of NEOS, is anticipated to be named foreign minister, although the full list of ministers will be announced shortly.