Scientific symposium highlighted national defense, Neutrality and spiritual values
The Carinthian Homeland Service set the tone with a top-class scientific symposium under the title “Defensive Carinthia – National Defense between Neutrality and Fear of War”. (KHD) in the Europahaus Klagenfurt a clear sign of a discussion on security policy, historical awareness and the spiritual defense of the homeland.
Klagenfurt. KHD chairman Andreas Mölzer opened the event and in his greetings emphasized the importance of a strong historical awareness and a self-confident Carinthia in a time of growing international uncertainty. Particularly in view of global crises, we need to focus more on questions
national defense, neutrality and cultural identity.
The historian Prof. Dr. In her lecture, Claudia Fräss-Ehrfeld offered an exciting overview of Carinthia's national defense in a historical context. She referred to it, that the distinctive Carinthian self-confidence is essentially the result of centuries of
experience of constant threat and possible division from outside. The history of Carinthia is therefore closely linked to the will, your own homeland, To preserve culture and identity.
Brigadier a.D. Günter Polajnar dedicated himself to the topic “National defense and military service in neutral Austria”. He emphasized, that Austria's neutrality is by no means a given, but requires clear political will, which is currently all too missing. Credible neutrality also requires sufficient financial resources and willingness, to invest in national military defense. Without appropriate security policy priorities, neutrality cannot be effectively secured in the long term.
Dr. Bruno Burchhart spoke about the “defense of Carinthia’s spiritual values” and emphasized, that national defense should not only be understood in military terms. Preserving cultural identity is just as crucial, historical memory and social values, that strengthen the internal cohesion of a community.
The event was moderated by National Council member Wendelin Mölzer, who led through the symposium and connected the different subject areas.
The Kanaltaler Kulturverein acted as project partners, the ARGE of the Carinthian homeland and traditional associations as well as the Austrian regional team.
The symposium made it clear, that security issues, of neutrality and cultural self-assertion are more relevant than ever and require both political and social responsibility.
