Neutral – aber schutzlos? Wie wehrhaft ist Österreich? | Report 27.01.2026

How well-prepared is Austria in a world in flux? The war in Ukraine, Donald Trump's attacks on Europe: global threats are increasing, while at the same time the transatlantic relationship is more unstable than it has been in a long time. Security and defense policy issues are moving into the political spotlight, including in Austria. This is also reflected in the Ministry of Defense's new risk assessment, which explicitly warns of the USA and Russia. How is Austria responding to this turning point in history and these crises? What security strategies does the country need? Is neutrality still relevant? When will conscription be extended? Many sensitive debates that are often avoided in domestic politics. Vanessa Böttcher and Laura Franz report. You can find more of the report at https://on.orf.at