Austria

By Sung Zhou
01

Today Austria is a parliamentary
representative democracy with nine federal
states. Austria is one of the wealthiest
countries in the world today, with a per capita
GNP of $46,330 in 2012. It has also been a
member of the European Union since 1995,
and is one of the founding countries of the
OECD. The Schengen Agreement was signed
in 1995, it was accepted in 1999 and the euro
was used in 2002. Austria, Germany,
Switzerland, and Luxembourg all belong to
the German-speaking area, and are
historically one of the cultural birthplaces of
the Germanic nation
Austria
Austria is a landlocked country located
in Central Europe, but has also
It has also been a member of the
historically been classified as a
European Union since 1995, and is one
sovereign state in Western or Eastern
of the founding countries of the OECD.
Europe. The capital and largest city is
The Schengen Agreement was signed
Vienna, with a population of about 9
in 1995, it was accepted in 1999 and the
million. At the same time, due to the
euro was used in 2002. Austria,
existence of the Alps, Austria has
Germany, Switzerland, and
become a mountainous country, only
Luxembourg all belong to the German-
32% of the land is below 500 meters
speaking area, and are historically one
above sea level, and the highest point is
of the cultural birthplaces of the
3,798 meters above sea level.
Germanic nation
02
PATTERSON
How did Austria join the
EU
Austria joined the Austria submitted its application
European Union on to join the EU in July 1989, and
January 1, 1995, along negotiations began in March
with Sweden and 1990. The negotiations covered
Finland. The process of a wide range of issues, including
Austria's accession to the country's economic and
the EU began in 1989, political systems, its legal
shortly after the fall of framework, and its ability to
the Iron Curtain and the implement EU laws and
end of the Cold War. regulations.
TOUR & TRAVEL
Austria officially became a
member of the EU on January
1, 1995, bringing the total
number of EU member states
to 15. Since then, Austria has
been an active member of
the EU, participating in
decision-making processes
and contributing to the
development of EU policies
and programs.
03
Why
Austria joined the European Union for various reasons. One of the
main reasons was to integrate its economy with those of other
European countries and to benefit from the EU's single market. The
EU's single market allows the free movement of goods, services,
capital, and people among its member states, which creates new

Did Austria opportunities for trade, investment, and economic growth.

Another reason was to strengthen its political ties with other
European countries and to participate in the EU's decision-making
processes. Joining the EU also meant that Austria would have a say
in shaping EU policies and regulations, which would impact its

Join the EU economy, society, and environment.

Furthermore, Austria's accession to the EU was also seen as a way

to promote stability, security, and democracy in Europe. By joining
the EU, Austria committed to respecting the EU's values and
principles, such as human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
Overall, Austria's decision to join the EU was driven by a desire to
integrate with its European neighbors, to benefit from the EU's
single market, to participate in EU decision-making, and to promote
stability and democracy in Europe.

04
What is the role
Austria play in EU As a member state of the European Union , Austria plays an
active role in shaping EU policies and programs. Austria
participates in the EU's decision-making processes, including
the European Council, the Council of the European Union, and
the European Parliament.

In terms of policy areas, Austria is involved in various EU policy

areas, such as the EU's common foreign and security policy, the
EU's internal market, justice and home affairs, regional
development, and environmental policy.

Austria is also an important contributor to the EU's budget and

participates in various EU programs and initiatives. For example,
Austria is a member of the Schengen Area, which allows for
free movement of people across most of the EU's member
states, and participates in the EU's Erasmus+ program, which
offers opportunities for students and young people to study,
train, and volunteer in other EU countries.

05
What is the political Austria's political position in the European Union (EU) can be
broadly described as centrist and pro-European. Austria generally
supports the EU's goals of promoting economic growth, social
welfare, and stability in Europe, while also advocating for greater

position of Austria social justice and environmental protection.

In terms of specific policy areas, Austria has been particularly
active in advocating for the EU's common foreign and security
policy, as well as for greater cooperation in the areas of justice

in EU and home affairs. Austria has also been a strong supporter of the
EU's environmental policies, including efforts to combat climate
change and promote sustainable development.
Austria has also been involved in debates about the future of the
EU, particularly with regard to issues such as the EU's institutional
arrangements, democratic legitimacy, and transparency. Austria
has generally been supportive of efforts to deepen integration
among EU member states, while also advocating for greater
democratic accountability and transparency in EU decision-making.

06
 What are the
1. Economic Growth and 2. Environmental Protection:
Social Welfare: Austria Austria is committed to
seeks to promote protecting the environment
economic growth and and combating climate
social welfare in the EU, change. It supports the EU's
with a particular focus
on creating jobs,
ensuring fair working
efforts to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions, promote
renewable energy, and
improve energy efficiency.
political priorities
conditions, and reducing

of Austria in EU
inequality.

3. Common Foreign and 4. Justice and Home

Security Policy: Austria is a
strong advocate for the
EU's common foreign and
security policy, and
supports greater
cooperation among EU
member states in
addressing global
challenges such as
terrorism, migration, and
conflict resolution.
Affairs: Austria is
actively involved in
promoting cooperation
among EU member
states in the areas of
justice and home
affairs, including
fighting terrorism,
organized crime, and
cybercrime.
07
 Significant event happened
between Austria and the EU

1. The 2015 Refugee Crisis: Austria was one of the countries that was most affected by the large
influx of refugees and migrants into Europe in 2015. The crisis put a significant strain on Austria's
resources and led to tensions between Austria and other EU member states over the distribution
of refugees.
2. The 2017 Austrian Presidential Election: In 2017, Austria elected a new president, Alexander Van
der Bellen, who was a strong supporter of the EU and European integration. The election was
seen as a victory for pro-European forces in Austria.

08
 Citation

Österreich, A.der R. (no date) Austria in the EU, Austria in the EU – BMEIA, Außenministerium Österreich. Available at:
https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/european-foreign-policy/european-policy/austria-in-the-
eu/#:~:text=Austria's%20accession%20to%20the%20EU,Mock%2C%20on%2017%20July%201989. (Accessed: April 17, 2023).

Austria (2023) Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria (Accessed: April 17, 2023).

Thank you