Dear soldiers!
Dear civilian employees!
The national holiday commemorates the adoption of the Neutrality Act in 1955. This, together with the Declaration of Independence of April 27, 1945 and the signing of the State Treaty on May 1, 1955, symbolizes the regaining of freedom of the Republic of Austria after the previous 17 years.
The current strategic environment clearly shows us that freedom cannot be taken for granted – not even the freedom of Europe and therefore not the freedom of Austria. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the smoldering fires in the Middle East powder keg, conflicts in Africa and crises in Korea and other parts of the world will not spare Europe and Austria from their effects. Whether these impacts will be solely economic in nature – or whether they will reach the full spectrum of hybrid attacks – is still an open question.
After years of subjective – but also objective – feelings of security, Europe has found itself in the position of having to increase its efforts to preserve freedom. The first and most important answer must be to increase resilience. This includes measures to defend against foreseeable crises, but also preparations for an agile response to unforeseeable events. Resilience must be comprehensive: at all levels and in all areas of the republic.
As part of comprehensive crisis preparedness, the Austrian Armed Forces represent the essential and indispensable pillar of national resilience.
Long live the Austrian Federal Army!
Long live our homeland, the Republic of Austria!
Long live our common, peaceful Europe!
Federal President Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen
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