Diplomatic Push: European Neutrals Eye Closer NATO Bonds Amidst Ukraine Fallout
Four European neutral countries, namely Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, and Malta, which are not members of NATO, are seeking closer ties with the North Atlantic Alliance amidst the deteriorating security situation in Europe following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
This initiative was reported by the Austrian daily, Die Presse, citing the EFE and Agerpres agencies.
Since December of last year, diplomats from these four countries have sent a "two-page letter" to the Alliance expressing their desire to expand relations with NATO. Both NATO and the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have confirmed that these four neutral countries, also known as WEP4, have long sought to increase dialogue with the Alliance.
In the letter, the signatories highlight the substantial deterioration of the security situation in Europe, emphasising its volatility. Consequently, the WEP4 countries, already considered "the closest partners of NATO," are keen to enhance military cooperation. Given the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, collaboration with the Alliance is deemed increasingly important.
The letter also proposes various measures to deepen this cooperation, including additional joint military exercises and privileged access to documents and information from the Alliance.
The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs attributed this initiative to a "harsher geopolitical climate." While acknowledging that neutrality does not guarantee security for Austria, the ministry emphasised that Austria still does not intend to join NATO. This stance differs from that of Finland or Sweden, which opted to become member states following the war in Ukraine. Austria has been collaborating with NATO since 1995 under the "Partnership for Peace" framework.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
