VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Austria: Military Alliances

Asked by Mr Angus MacDonaldLiberal DemocratMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 20 October 2025UIN 82256

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to strengthen military and defence cooperation with Austria.

Answered by Al Carns

The Ministry of Defence is actively seeking closer bilateral relations with Austria to strengthen collective security in the Euro-Atlantic. This includes regular Defence Staff Talks, which have taken place in both London and Vienna, fostering strategic dialogue and alignment between the UK Ministry of Defence and the Austrian MOD.

Austria’s military neutrality does not hinder collaboration, which is underpinned by routinely meeting across a number of levels to discuss issues around policy, procurement, and military training. Training cooperation is actively encouraged and covers opportunities both in the UK and Austria. With military teams taking part in Exercise Cambrian Patrol in the Brecon Beacons, UK service personnel conducting adventurous training in Austria, and reciprocal individual training at our Staff Colleges.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim