Since January 23, there are said to have been 433 military transports from Western countries and NATO countries via Austria. This is apparent from a parliamentary question from the FPÖ, which Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner has now answered. She didn’t say where the transports were going.
According to Tanner (ÖVP), Germany carried out most of the 252 military transports through Austria. This is followed by 57 transports from NATO, 48 from Great Britain, 43 from the Netherlands and others from France (17), Switzerland (12) and Belgium (4). Between January 23 and June 23, 433 military transports are said to have taken place. However, this number does not include those of non-Western European countries. If this is taken into account, there were 1,100 military transports through Austria from the beginning of the year to 11 April.
No transport to Ukraine
These data indicate a slight increase compared to the previous year. It is not clear from Tanner’s answer to which country of destination the transports went. “Finally, for the sake of completeness, it should be noted that my department has not received or received any applications for the transit of military goods to Ukraine,” it said.
Legal situation?
As for the legal basis, the defense minister referred to the Troop Residence Act and an EU Council decision according to which EU member states are considering “providing financial and logistical support to Ukraine, including the supply of protective equipment”. In addition, the decision of the EU Council provides that Member States allow the transit of military equipment and personnel. This applies not only to the ground, but also to the airspace. The situation is different if a particular country is identified as a party to the conflict.
Rosary: ”Breaks Neutrality”
The parliamentary request was made by FPÖ MP Christian Hafenecker. The candidate for the post of Federal President, Walter Rosenkranz, who was supported by the FPÖ, then criticized the Defense Ministry. The military transports would be contrary to Austria’s neutrality. In addition, the country is not legally obliged to allow the transports.
The Ministry of Defense admitted that these included heavy military equipment for use in Ukraine. Anyone who, like NATO, supplies weapons to a warring party is part of the conflict.” War equipment may therefore not be transported in Austria. “This greatly damages perpetual neutrality and ultimately means that our neutrality is no longer respected and accepted internationally,” Rosenkranz warned.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
