Austria's Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) wants to increase the budget spent on national defense to around one percent of gross domestic product. MEPs from all factions agreed on the need to increase the defense budget.

The Russian attack on Ukraine marks a turning point in European history, explained Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner at the beginning of the debate on the EU annual preview. It is now becoming apparent how important a well-established national defense is, especially for a neutral state. Politicians must now do everything possible to strengthen the army. Over the years, national defense has not received the budgetary importance it deserves. The task now is to expand and strengthen core military competencies. The defense budget should therefore be raised to one percent of gross domestic product, Tanner confirmed her goal.

In the course of the Ukraine crisis, many reassessments had become necessary. Not only the budget, but also aspects such as the militia's exercises should be viewed from a different perspective. The Ukraine war is still taking place in cyberspace. Effects on Austria cannot be ruled out, but are constantly being monitored. The capacities in the field of cyber defense are therefore to be significantly expanded in order to secure Austria's sovereignty in this area as well, explained Tanner.

In addition to national defence, the army is also the country's strategic reserve, emphasized the defense minister's assistance missions in the area of ​​support for the health authorities, at the external borders or in the event of natural disasters. The army is currently also supporting Ukrainian refugees.

After Russia's attack on Ukraine, Austria's defense policy had to be reassessed, Friedrich Ofenauer (ÖVP) agreed with the Defense Minister. The defense budget must be geared to the new requirements.

The war will permanently change the face of Europe, declared Robert Laimer (SPÖ). In view of the changed situation, the security strategy of Europe and Austria must finally be adapted, the MP demanded.

The federal army has been saved for years, said Axel Kassegger (FPÖ). The competence of the military national defense has been cut back to such an extent that it is no longer possible. The current situation did not come overnight, and a response should have been made by 2014 at the latest, the MP criticized the government's presentation.

The security picture has changed, said David Stögmüller (Greens). Now it is necessary to set clear priorities for investments in a comprehensive national defense. There are not only military challenges, but also economic and social challenges.

Austria is in an “extremely delicate situation”, explained Douglas Hoyos-Trauttmansdorff (NEOS). The army is currently unable to do what it is supposed to do in terms of public safety. A European perspective for national defense is needed, the MP called for steps in this direction.