National Security Advisor Introduces New Security Strategy

National Security Advisor Introduces New Security Strategy

Peter Vorhofer speaking on Thursday, APA/HANS KLAUS TECHT/HANS KLAUS TECHT

 

Austria’s National Security Advisor, Peter Vorhofer, has outlined his role and the details of the recently introduced Crisis Security Act.

Vorhofer, who also serves as the country’s chief crisis coordinator, was appointed to the position by Austria’s ruling government coalition of the People’s Party (ÖVP) and Green Party earlier this month. Speaking on Thursday, he praised the new security strategy, which has been shaped with contributions from several expert groups and more than 60 specialists across different ministries. The strategy will now be submitted to parliament and the National Security Council.

Vorhofer noted that the document, created with the help of many experts, is expected to stay relevant for years. He also emphasised the importance of ongoing cooperation with both parliament and the National Security Council, saying that the strategy would be “regularly reviewed” and that specific parts could be revised or newly developed if required.

The Crisis Security Act came into force on 1 January this year. The law aims to set up a nationwide crisis management system. Key measures include the creation of a Crisis Security Cabinet and a Federal Situation Centre within the Interior Ministry.

Calling the new national security strategy “the key document for both domestic and foreign policy,” Vorhofer said it provides a “clear and straightforward” assessment of the risks and challenges facing Austria. The strategy acknowledges the “significant changes in the global system,” he added, highlighting a new era of “geopolitical competition” and the rise of multiple, unpredictable crises that could worsen over time.

The strategy also sets out Austria’s goals and priorities, which Vorhofer said are essential for maintaining the country’s standing internationally. “Other nations need to understand what our objectives are and how we intend to achieve them,” he explained. He pointed to Austria’s cooperation with NATO as a “partner for peace,” and suggested that future collaboration could involve sharing information, joint situation assessments, disaster relief, peacekeeping missions, and joint training exercises – all while respecting Austria’s neutrality, which is enshrined in its constitution.

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