Austria’s Shifting Stance on Russia: A Balancing Act Amid Energy Dependence

Austria’s new security strategy marks a shift in its relationship with Russia, acknowledging Moscow as a conventional and hybrid threat following the invasion of Ukraine. The document highlights Russia’s weaponization of energy and food exports, a clear reference to its use of natural gas supplies to Europe. This change in rhetoric, while symbolic, is significant for Austria, which has been seen as a relatively pro-Russian nation within the EU. Despite the tougher stance, Austria remains heavily reliant on Russian gas, with approximately 90% of its supply originating from Russia. The new strategy aims to reduce this dependence, but the government faces challenges in finding alternative sources and timelines for the transition. The dependence on Russian energy has been a point of contention between the Austrian government’s coalition partners, with the Greens pushing for a faster shift away from Russian gas.