German-Austrian Agreement on Cooperation Against Non-Military Aerial Threats
On November 27, 2024, the German Bundestag published a new article (20/13960) titled “Draft Law on the Agreement of December 9, 2022, Between the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Government of the Republic of Austria on Cooperation Against Non-Military Aerial Threats.” This draft law is the next step in the process of formalizing the agreement between the two countries.
Background of the Agreement
The agreement was signed on December 9, 2022, in Berlin by German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner. It aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in combating non-military aerial threats, such as drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and other similar devices.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
The agreement includes provisions for:
- Information exchange: The two countries will exchange information on non-military aerial threats, including their detection, tracking, and identification.
- Joint exercises and training: Germany and Austria will conduct joint exercises and training to enhance their capabilities in responding to non-military aerial threats.
- Technical cooperation: The two countries will cooperate in developing and deploying new technologies to combat non-military aerial threats.
- Legal framework: The agreement establishes a legal framework for cooperation between the two countries, including provisions on jurisdiction and liability.
Purpose and Significance of the Agreement
The agreement is intended to enhance the security of both Germany and Austria by strengthening their ability to respond to non-military aerial threats. These threats have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, and pose a significant risk to critical infrastructure, public safety, and national security.
The agreement is also seen as a step towards closer cooperation between Germany and Austria in the field of homeland security. The two countries have a long history of cooperation on law enforcement and intelligence matters, and the agreement on non-military aerial threats builds on this foundation.
Next Steps
The draft law on the agreement must now be approved by the German Bundestag and the Bundesrat (upper house of parliament). Once approved, the agreement will enter into force and the provisions it contains will become legally binding.
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