Bundeskanzler Stocker Calls for Stronger EU Defense Readiness: “We Cannot Be lulled into False Security”

Copenhagen — Ahead of the informal summit of EU heads of state and government in Denmark’s capital, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker urged European leaders to strengthen the bloc’s defense readiness and strategic autonomy, warning against complacency in an increasingly volatile security environment.

“We must not be lulled into a false sense of security,” Stocker said before the Copenhagen meeting. “Recent airspace violations clearly demonstrate that Europe must bolster its defense preparedness and response capabilities.”

The agenda of the summit focused on two pressing issues: reinforcing the European Union’s defense capability and coordinating continued support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. Stocker also highlighted the need for reducing bureaucracy and regulation within the EU to streamline joint defense and industrial initiatives.

Adapting to New Threats: Drones and Hybrid Warfare

Citing recent drone incursions, the Austrian Chancellor emphasized that Europe’s security architecture must evolve to address emerging threats.

“Drone warfare presents entirely new challenges, and hybrid threats are becoming more complex. Our response must be robust — not only in will, but in capability,” Stocker stated.

In Vienna, the Austrian government has already announced plans to modernize the Bundesheer, ensuring it can respond effectively to modern forms of attack, including unmanned aerial systems and cyber operations.

Neutrality with Engagement

Asked whether Austria’s military neutrality still defines its policy, Stocker reaffirmed Vienna’s position but underlined that neutrality does not exclude cooperation within the European framework:

“Everything we do is grounded in neutrality. But neutrality does not prevent us from exploring joint procurement or collective capability building with our European partners.”

This reflects Austria’s growing willingness to participate in EU defense projects such as PESCO and the European Defence Fund, while maintaining its constitutional neutrality.

Europe’s Role in Ukraine’s Defense

With signs of a U.S. retrenchment from Ukraine funding, Stocker argued that Europe must assume greater responsibility. One potential avenue, he noted, is the use of frozen Russian assets to finance Ukrainian defense and reconstruction.

“This must, however, be carefully coordinated and legally aligned at the European level,” Stocker added.

The Chancellor’s comments come amid broader discussions across the EU on strategic sovereignty, defense industrial policy, and the creation of a European defense fund modeled after initiatives in France, Germany, and the Czech Republic.