Minister Tanner: – “Peace and freedom cannot be taken for granted”

Security. The big topic with Rainer Nowak in the current issue on krone.tv. Federal Minister Klaudia Tanner: “The world has gone out of control and we in Austria must also prepare ourselves accordingly. That is why we have invested in defense accordingly.” The focus is on concerns about escalation in Ukraine and the Middle East. The core task is national defense.

The current safety strategy dates from 2013. Nowak wondered why no adjustments have been made yet. “You should ask your green coalition partner that. But a piece of paper alone does not make us safer. “Every euro more ensures more safety,” said the minister.

Colonel Reisner assisted. You should not always develop new articles, but build on what has been tried and tested. “In any case, we are no longer an island of the blessed. Europe must be clear about its role. Also in relation to Ukraine. The US is not playing the offensive role one would expect. We as Austria are in the middle of it and not just there. The parties must think about how they can become active in Europe.”

Money alone is not enough; you have to know what you are defending. In addition to the budget, you also need staff. It was therefore very wise to speak out in favor of conscription, the minister said. ‘Krone’ expert Paul Tikal criticized the Austrian approach. A majority would not want to defend the country with weapons, but would expect help from outside. Such a recent study.

The minister explained this by saying that for so long people in the center of Europe thought they were an island of the blessed. “We must make it clear to the next generation that peace, freedom and democracy cannot be taken for granted.”

New device as a personnel magnet
Reisner also justified the lack of “willingness to defend themselves” by saying that until the end they had equipment that made survival in the field difficult. A lot has now been invested and that will also have an impact if the worst happens, which no one wants. “A lot is being done, but it takes time. I still notice a lot of motivation. It is up to us to continue to motivate and inspire the recruits.” Minister Tanner: “The new device also attracts new employees.”

Tikal’s Objection: When something is announced it takes forever, is the sentiment of those frustrated in the military. Tanner: “I don’t just go to a department store to quickly grab something. Example of helicopters: A tender has been made together with Italy, which is free from any suspicion of lobbying.” You also need to acquire new skills. And we need to upgrade planes. Unfortunately, you still have to drag the unloved, especially expensive Eurofighters with you – there are many disruptive incidents here. “The method of acquisition was the problem. We will therefore rely on absolute transparency for the benefit of taxpayers. And that takes time.”

Expert: “Neutrality premium plus”
Tikal quoted a NATO general who no longer considered Austrian neutrality appropriate. Tanner: “I agree: neutrality alone does not protect us. We must defend our neutrality by all means. And this is especially important when the world is falling apart at the seams.” Reisner: “We have further developed neutrality in recent decades. See most recently the entry into the Skyshield joint defense system. I call it Neutrality Premium Plus.” You have to be open enough to say that you don’t know what will happen and what adjustments you still need to make. “We are standing like a cow in front of the new gate. The government must create the framework, we do the work. In the interest of the population.”

Spy paradise Austria
The espionage affair was also discussed. Tanner said: “I wonder why this wasn’t dealt with by the judiciary a long time ago. But I stand up for our military and intelligence. I’m not letting him get involved.’

The studied historian Reisner pointed out the unique character of Austria, according to which foreign services are allowed to operate as they wish, as long as this does not harm Austria. This is stated in the State Protection Act from the 1950s. That’s where you should start. “Today’s challenges require multiple answers. And there is a need for competent staff. You are competing with the private sector, which usually pays more.”

Klaudia Tanner’s conclusion: “We hear positive signals. Salaries have already been increased. Also for soldiers. More equipment is being purchased. The decision to increase investment in the military was also taken across party lines. If anyone wants to take that back, given the situation in the world, I will look into it.”