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Austria warns Russia’s ‘hybrid warfare’ against Europe to intensify

The Austrian Armed Forces released its yearly risk assessment report, noting the main threats facing the country in 2024 include Russia's 'hybrid warfare' against Europe. Here's what you need to know.

Published: 29 January 2024 17:34 CET
The military honor guard of the Austrian Armed Forces. Photo: ALEX HALADA / AFP
(Photo: ALEX HALADA / AFP)

The Austrian Armed Forces have warned of a “very high” risk of further disruption between Russia and the European Union, according to Major General Peter Vorhofer during a presentation of the 2024 risk assessment report.

“This means that there is a high probability that we will experience hybrid warfare in 2024,” said Vorhofer. The new military “disorder” era will accompany the world and Austria for “at least another two decades”.

According to the report, the “range of possibilities” in a “hybrid” warfare extends from systematic disinformation campaigns, political provocations, and threats to the organisation of migration movements and their misuse as a weapon to destabilise individual EU member states or the Union as a whole.

Disinformation, migration and supply risks: What are the risks facing Austria?

The Austrian Military highlights “disinformation” as an “underestimated threat” facing the country. “A web of ‘alternative facts’, fake news and disinformation is putting increasing pressure on the truth”, the report reads. The military also stated that disinformation is increasingly becoming a strategic weapon in war, influencing public opinion. 

READ ALSO: Austrians warned as country remains dependent on Russia for gas supplies

“In the run-up to the European elections, National Council elections and US presidential elections, disinformation campaigns can be expected”, the report stated.

According to the report, migration flows in Austria also “harbours social risks”, but Austria should promote the opportunities and potential of regular migration. The report goes: “​​The lack of or inadequate solutions for receiving migrants and refugees, resilient immigration structures and an effective repatriation process creates a feeling of chaos and loss of control. This strengthens populist parties”.

READ ALSO: How much of a threat is Austria’s far-right Identitarian Movement?

Another risk noted by the military is supply risks, as the group warns of a need to make dependencies of raw materials “smarter and more diversified from the outset”. In that sense, the Army also asked for inter-ministerial cooperation to protect critical infrastructure in Austria. 

They added: “Artificial intelligence represents a security challenge in itself as the connectivity and digitalisation of specific information by AI will enable the exploitation of data on an as yet unforeseeable scale”.

Also when it comes to technology, the Army warned that cyber threats continue to pose a risk to democracy. “Dealing with these threats will require a joined-up approach, both domestically and at the EU level”, they said.

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POLITICS

Reader question: Can I vote in Austria’s national elections?

Austria’s national elections are scheduled for September 29th, but not everyone will have a say. Find out who can vote in these crucial elections and how foreigners can still make their voices heard.

Published: 20 September 2024 09:57 CEST
Reader question: Can I vote in Austria's national elections?

On September 29th, Austria will hold its highly anticipated national elections to elect a new parliament, marking a crucial moment for the country’s political future. 

The election comes at a time of growing political polarisation, with the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) leading in the polls, followed closely by the centre-right Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP). The centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) remains in third place, trailing behind its rivals.

READ ALSO: Austrian elections: Who could be the next chancellor?

As political tensions rise and critical issues like immigration and inflation dominate the discourse, these elections could significantly shift Austria’s political landscape. 

However, while the stakes are high, a large segment of the population won’t be able to vote, mainly because of Austria’s restrictive citizenship laws. 

Who can vote in Austria’s national elections?

The only people allowed to vote in Austrian federal elections are Austrian citizens aged 16 or above. This means foreigners – even those who have lived in Austria for decades – are not entitled to vote unless they have acquired Austrian citizenship. 

The country’s strict naturalisation process typically requires at least ten years of legal residence and a high income. Applicants must also give up their original nationality, as dual citizenship is rarely permitted.

While Austria is home to a large foreign-born population, many cannot participate in the political process. In Vienna, for example, as many as one in three residents of voting age cannot vote due to their non-Austrian citizenship. This leaves around 1.5 million people nationwide unable to vote in the upcoming elections, representing around 19 percent of the population aged 16 and over.

READ ALSO: What makes Austrian citizenship so hard to get?

How can foreigners “vote” in the elections?

A symbolic alternative for the many residents excluded from Austria’s national elections has been offered: the “Pass Egal” election, organised by the non-governmental organisation SOS Mitmensch. Since 2013, the Pass Egal election has given foreigners a platform to ‘vote’ and express their political preferences.

The Pass Egal election is open to anyone aged 16 or older who lives in Austria but does not have Austrian citizenship. Even Austrians who wish to show solidarity with non-voters can participate. This symbolic election gives a voice to those otherwise excluded from official polls, allowing them to vote for the parties running in the National Council elections.

In 2022, for example, more than 8,500 people from 86 countries participated in a mock election for federal president. 

While the vote doesn’t impact the actual elections, it highlights the political engagement of Austria’s foreign residents and adds visibility to the debate on voting rights and citizenship reform.

READ MORE: How foreigners can ‘vote’ in the Austrian national elections

What’s at stake in Austria’s national elections?

This year’s elections will shape the composition of Austria’s National Council and influence the country’s future political direction.

With the FPÖ leading in the polls, the possibility of a far-right resurgence is a crucial issue, while the ÖVP and SPÖ are working to gain ground in what is expected to be a highly competitive election.

For the large segment of Austria’s population that is excluded from voting due to the country’s citizenship laws, the Pass Egal election provides a way to engage politically, even if only symbolically. 

As the number of non-citizen residents in Austria grows, the debate over expanding voting rights to non-citizens and making the naturalisation process more accessible will continue.

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