Participation in the new EU Rapid Reaction Force would not pose problems for Austria's traditional neutrality provided pro per decision-making structures were worked out, its Chancellor, Mr Wolfgang Schussel, said during a visit to Dublin yesterday.
Speaking after a meeting with the Taoiseach, Mr Schussel said: "We are neutral by constitution but neutrality today is a completely different thing than in the 1950s." Taking part in European action according to UN principles to defend human rights and guarantee peace and stability was an absolute priority. "This is an active European pro-peace engagement."
On the forthcoming Nice summit, a lot of important questions were "not on the table any more". He said there was "enormous understanding and a parallel approach" between Ireland and Austria. Both countries were insisting on the principle that "all member-states should be represented in all institutions of Europe". Reweighting of votes to compensate larger member-states for the loss of their second commissioner was an important issue - "but not more". "We are defending not only our own interests, we are also defending the principles and guidelines of the European Union of the future."
At his joint news conference with the Taoiseach, Mr Schussel thanked "Bertie" and his colleagues for their assistance during the difficult months when EU sanctions were imposed on Austria after the far-right Freedom Party joined the government last February. Ireland had played "a very constructive and positive role" behind the scenes and had tried to find an "exit strategy" from the sanctions. Ireland's solidarity with Austria was more than a political gesture, it was a symbol of friendship. "Personal friendship is always important," Mr Schussel said. It sometimes eased the way towards political solutions.
While Austria favoured enlargement, the Chancellor acknowledged there were bilateral problems such as the Czech Republic's nuclear power plant at Temelin, close to the Austrian border. His government was "deeply concerned" on security and safety grounds.
Welcoming the Chancellor's visit, Mr Ahern said bilateral relations with Austria were "extremely good". In addition to bilateral issues, the Nice summit was also discussed and, while the two governments did not agree in every area, they were working together in preparation for it.
Asked about the prospects of Ireland retaining its right to nominate a European commissioner, Mr Ahern said: "It is too early yet to call that." It was linked to what happened on reweighting of votes and qualified majority voting and what way the larger member-states moved.