SISTRAT Citizen Forum on the Reform of Austria's Security Strategy

The rapid and profound changes in global political conditions, the escalating climate crisis, societal tendencies toward division, the use of new technologies, and the financial stability of the welfare state necessitate an adaptation and a new perspective on Austria's security strategy. Which dimensions of security and which threat scenarios need to be considered? How do the various threats interact? What priorities should be set? What role does neutrality play, and how is Austria embedded in the global and European security architecture (UN, EU, OSCE, NATO Partnership for Peace)? A sustainable security strategy requires political clarity, expert knowledge, and the support of the population.

The project focuses on involving the population. This is achieved through the organization of a population-representative citizen forum consisting of 100 citizens. They will meet over three days to discuss threat scenarios, Austria's position in the European security architecture, and to develop courses of action. These results will then be integrated with parallel discussion processes at the expert and political levels and incorporated into a new conception of Austria's security strategy.

Project client: BMEIA