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SWISS NEUTRALITY: CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY
The main research objective of the article is to show the evolution of Switzerland's neutrality after the Cold War. Based on the analysis of internal and external conditions, the thesis is formulated that in the conceptual sphere, Switzerland refers to the traditional principles of perpetual neutrality, both in official positions as well as political rhetoric. This aspect clearly distinguishes it from the neutral and non-aligned European Union states. At the same time, in the realm of implementation, it is actually shifting to positions of non-alignment/post-neutrality. The main components of the redefinition of neutrality materialised in the form of a rejection of the principles of the so-called economic neutrality as well as a change of attitude towards armed conflicts. Their implementation opened up opportunities for participation in the process of European integration and a broader commitment to international solidarity as well as management crises. It was in line with the expectations of the international community. The lack of consequences was critically assessed as well as the main barriers to the implementation of the principles of the new concept of neutrality in the 1990s. The beginning of the 21st century brings a clear stabilisation of Helvetic neutrality, including changes in the field of cooperative security policy. Joining the European Union's sanctions against Russia confirms the continuity of the assumptions of the post-Cold War concept of neutrality.

After the end of the Cold War, neutrality was redefined by adapting its functioning to the unprecedented changes in the international environment. This redefi nition covered two key areas; the change in attitudes towards international confl icts and the rejection of the principles of economic neutrality. By joining the EU, Austria, as a perpetually neutral state, made a commitment to fully conform with its obligations arising from participating in the Common Foreign and Security Policy. The necessary changes to legal regulations have led to a departure from the principles of traditional neutrality and the actual change of international status to an alliance-free/post-neutral state. The main area of main Austrian political forces' dispute within foreign and security policy was the recognition of the possibility of abandonment of neutrality and NATO membership. It remains unresolved as to whether the rejection of neutrality constitutes solely a legal and constitutional issue. At the same time, Austrian society, with its fi rm pro-European attitude, still shows a strong commitment to neutrality.

After the end of the Cold War, neutrality was redefi ned by adapting its functioning to the unprecedented changes in the international environment. This redefinition covered two key areas; the change in attitudes towards international conflicts and the rejection of the principles
of economic neutrality. By joining the EU, Austria, as a perpetually neutral state, made a commitment to fully conform with its obligations arising from participating in the Common Foreign and Security Policy. The necessary changes to legal regulations have led to a departure from the principles of traditional neutrality and the actual change of international
status to an alliance-free post-neutral state. The main area of main Austrian political forces' dispute within foreign and security policy was the recognition of the possibility of abandonment
of neutrality and NATO membership. It remains unresolved as to whether the rejection of neutrality constitutes solely a legal and constitutional issue. At the same time, Austrian society, with its fi rm pro-European attitude, still shows a strong commitment to neutrality.