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Most citizens oppose Austria’s NATO membership, Ukraine’s accession to EU — poll

According to the survey results, 83% of respondents want EU member states to coordinate their security and defense policy closer

VIENNA, May 6. /TASS/. Most citizens of the neutral Austria oppose joining NATO and oppose Ukraine’s membership in the EU, says the poll, carried out by the Institute of Demoscopy and Data Analysis (IFDD) and published by Austrian Press Agency (APA) in connection to the upcoming Europe Day, celebrated on May 9.

According to the poll, 75% of respondents oppose Austria’s accession to NATO, while only 14% support it. Meanwhile, 46% of respondents oppose Ukraine’s accession to the EU, while 38% support it. The rest stated no opinion on this issue.

Furthermore, 83% of respondents want EU member states to coordinate their security and defense policy closer. According to IFDD CEO Christoph Haselmayer, the conflict in Ukraine contributed to reinforcement of this opinion.

The poll covered 1,000 people aged above 16.

Previously, APA reported citing Austrian Foreign Ministry that Austria restored its participation in the NATO partnership program this year.

"The new program is important for Austrian Armed Forces for comprehensive participation in NATO exercised and training events," as well as for maintenance and further development of its ability to take part in international operations on settlement of crises within NATO, the EU and the UN," APA quoted Foreign Ministry as saying.

In 1955, Austria declared permanent neutrality, aiming to reinforce its independence and ensure the invulnerability of its territory after World War II, in which it participated as part of Nazi Germany.

Tags

Ukraine EU NATO Austria

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