Austria's longstanding policy of neutrality is under renewed scrutiny as the country celebrates its National Day on October 26th.

This tradition, rooted in the Neutrality Act signed nearly 70 years ago, has kept Austria out of military alliances like NATO.

However, recent global conflicts, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, have sparked discussions about whether this stance remains viable.

Despite increased defense spending, questions linger about Austria's ability to defend itself without NATO support.

While some argue that neutrality is outdated, the idea of joining NATO remains controversial among Austrian politicians.

As the nation reflects on its defense capabilities, the debate over neutrality continues to be a significant topic.