Austria's Recent International Agreement Signings

Austria has been a member of the World Trade Organization since 1 January 1995 and a member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade since 19 October 1951. It is a member state of the European Union, and all EU member states are WTO members. Austria has also been a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and played an active role in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. It joined the Partnership for Peace in 1995 and subsequently participated in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia. Vienna hosts the Secretariat of the OSCE and the headquarters of several United Nations agencies. Austria has several Bilateral Investment Treaties in force.

Austria's bilateral investment treaties

Austria has been a member of the European Union since 1995. Since the Lisbon Treaty, the EU has had the authority to conclude agreements on direct investments, but member states are still allowed to negotiate and conclude bilateral investment protection agreements with non-EU member states.

Austria has bilateral investment treaties with the following countries:

• Kyrgyzstan
• Nigeria
• Tajikistan
• Kazakhstan
• Guatemala
• Cambodia
• Ethiopia
• Algeria
• Yemen
• Namibia
• Libya
• Malta
• Philippines
• Georgia
• Armenia
• Montenegro
• Serbia
• Belize
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Moldova
• Lebanon
• Mongolia
• Belarus
• Egypt
• Oman
• North Macedonia
• Slovenia
• Iran
• Jordan
• Bangladesh
• Zimbabwe
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Azerbaijan
• Uzbekistan
• Cuba
• India
• Mexico
• Chile
• Bolivia
• Croatia
• Bulgaria
• South Africa
• Kuwait
• Ukraine
• Hong Kong
• Lithuania
• Romania
• Tunisia
• Vietnam
• Latvia
• Estonia
• Paraguay
• Albania
• Morocco
• Argentina
• Cape Verde
• South Korea
• Czech Republic
• Slovakia
• Russia
• Poland
• Turkey
• Hungary
• China
• Malaysia

Austria's membership in the WTO

Austria has been a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 1 January 1995. The WTO's role is to liberalize and regulate global trade, with the power to enforce trade rules through a two-step dispute settlement system. Decisions are taken by consensus among all member governments, following the principle of one state, one vote.

The WTO was created on 1 January 1995 and was the biggest reform of international trade since the end of World War Two. The WTO's predecessor, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), dealt primarily with trade in goods, whereas the WTO and its agreements also cover trade in services and intellectual property.

The overall objective of the WTO is to help its members use trade as a means to raise living standards, create jobs, and improve people's lives. It operates the global system of trade rules and helps developing countries build their trade capacity. It also provides a forum for members to negotiate trade agreements and resolve trade problems.

Austria's tasks and objectives within the WTO focus on representing and promoting Austrian interests in trade negotiations, as well as in the administration and application of existing trade rules. Experts from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy participate in over 40 WTO bodies and negotiation groups.

Austria's participation in the EU

Austria's accession to the EU on January 1, 1995, marked the culmination of its long-standing integration efforts. As a member of the EU, Austria benefits from its involvement in the growing single market, which has resulted in significant savings for the Austrian economy. About 70% of Austria's foreign trade is with EU member states, and since joining the EU, Austrian exports have tripled, creating 18,500 new jobs annually.

Austria's membership in the EU has also brought numerous advantages to its citizens, such as the ability to travel freely within Europe, study in other member states through exchange programs, and settle in any EU member state. Additionally, the adoption of the euro as its currency has provided economic benefits.

Overall, Austria's involvement in the EU has had a significant impact on its economy, foreign policy, and the lives of its citizens, shaping its role in Europe and the world.

Austria's relations with NATO

Austria and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have a close relationship, with Austria participating in NATO's Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme since 1995 and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) since 1997. Austria is one of only four members of the European Union that is not a member of NATO, the others being Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta.

Austria's cooperation with NATO is mutually beneficial and includes building capabilities and interoperability, as well as supporting NATO-led operations and missions. Austria has worked alongside NATO allies in security and peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Afghanistan, and Kosovo. Austrian forces joined the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan in 2002, providing expertise and logistical support. They also contributed to the follow-on Resolute Support Mission (RSM) to further train, assist, and advise Afghan security forces and institutions.

Austria has contributed to several NATO Trust Fund projects in other partner countries, providing support for the destruction of mines and/or munitions in various countries, including Albania, Kazakhstan, Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine. Additionally, Austria cooperates with NATO allies on civil preparedness, providing mutual support in dealing with the consequences of major accidents or disasters in the Euro-Atlantic area.

Austria's relationship with NATO is shaped by its commitment to neutrality, which is enshrined in its constitution. The Declaration of Neutrality, passed in October 1955, prohibits Austria from joining a military alliance, hosting foreign military bases within its borders, and participating in wars. As a result, Austria's NATO membership is not widely popular with the Austrian public, with only 21% supporting joining NATO, according to a 2023 survey.

Despite this, there have been recent debates about Austria potentially joining NATO, particularly after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent decision by Finland and Sweden to abandon neutrality and apply for NATO membership. However, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg have stated that the country intends to maintain its neutrality and is not considering joining NATO, although it plans to cooperate with the alliance.

Austria's neutrality stance

Austria's stance on neutrality is a unique aspect of its foreign policy and has been a defining feature of the country since its independence. The country's Declaration of Neutrality was enacted on 26 October 1955, and it has been enshrined in the nation's constitution ever since. This declaration was made voluntarily by the Republic of Austria, bringing an end to the allied occupation by the Soviet Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. The declaration states that "Austria declares of her own free will her perpetual neutrality" and that the country will not join any military alliances or permit foreign military bases on its territory.

Over the years, Austria's neutrality has been a dynamic concept, adapting to the changing global landscape. For instance, the country has supported European weapons deliveries to Ukraine and joined NATO's Partnership for Peace program in 1995. Additionally, Austria has contemplated participation in the EU's security structure and has participated in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia. Despite these shifts, a strong commitment to neutrality remains an essential part of Austria's national identity, with 76% of Austrians favoring maintaining their neutral status.

Austria's neutrality is viewed as a tool for easing tensions between the East and the West, and the country actively engages in UN-led peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. However, Austria's relationship with Russia, particularly regarding energy dependence and investments, has raised questions about the compatibility of its neutrality with its European commitments.

In recent years, the rise of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) has further complicated Austria's stance on neutrality. The FPÖ has capitalized on the public's support for neutrality, blaming aid packages to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia for the country's economic woes. Additionally, the party has deep ties to Russia, signing a formal agreement with Putin's United Russia Party after the annexation of Crimea.

Despite these complexities, Austria remains one of only three European Union countries, along with Ireland and Malta, that consider themselves neutral. However, with the ongoing war in Ukraine and shifting political landscapes, the future of Austria's neutrality remains uncertain.

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