VIENNA, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Austrian Defense Minister Mario Kunasek ruled out his country's participation in a European army, citing the neutral stance it has held since the end of the Second World War.
He told the Austria Press Agency on Tuesday that the proposal from France and Germany is not on the table for Austria, who would also not be willing to cede any sovereignty by joining such an army.
The Austrian national parliament would instead continue to make its own decisions on participation in European Union (EU) or NATO missions.
There is a need for improved cooperation, joint training activities, and missions, Kunasek noted, but not for an army as such.
In addition, he said Austria still supports joint efforts toward the protection of the European Union's outer borders.
