Austria And Israel: How Close Are They Geographically?

Austria and Israel have a complex relationship, with a history that includes the Holocaust and the founding of Israel. In recent years, the two countries have become close allies, with Austria supporting Israel in its fight against terrorism and recognising Israel's right to self-defence against attacks by Hamas. Both countries have embassies in each other's capitals and are full members of the Union for the Mediterranean. Austria has also taken steps to restore Austrian citizenship to descendants of Jewish victims of the Nazis and has passed legislation to combat antisemitism. Economic relations between the two countries have expanded alongside political relations, with Austrian exports to Israel increasing by 50% between 2018 and 2022.

Austria's support for Israel at the UN

Austria and Israel have a complex relationship that has evolved significantly over the years. The historical context, including the Holocaust and the presence of prominent Zionist figures in Austria, sets the backdrop for the development of their bilateral ties.

In recent times, Austria has demonstrated its support for Israel at the UN in various ways. One notable instance was in October 2023 when Austria stood with Israel at the United Nations, voting against a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the 2023 Israel-Hamas War. This show of solidarity, despite Austria's traditional stance of neutrality, surprised many. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg affirmed the closeness of the relationship, stating that they have entered a "strategic, extremely close relationship with Israel that can't be reversed."

Austria's stance at the UN aligns with its broader foreign policy towards Israel. In 2023, Austria stopped all aid to Palestine following the Hamas-led attack on Israel. Additionally, Austria has taken steps to strengthen its economic ties with Israel, with Austrian exports to Israel increasing by 50% between 2018 and 2022. The relationship between the two countries has been described as a strategic partnership, and Austria is considered one of the most pro-Israeli countries within the EU.

Austria's recognition of Israel

The history of Austria and Israel's relationship is a complex one, with many twists and turns. Despite the birth of Zionism in Austria-Hungary and the fact that many Israelis are descendants of Austrian Jews, the two countries' relationship has been strained at times.

Recognition of Israel

Austria recognised Israel on the 5th of March, 1949, shortly after the Jewish state's founding in 1948. This recognition came after the Israeli declaration of independence on the 14th of May, 1948. In the same year, Austria granted Israel a loan of 50 million shillings and transferred the remains of Theodor Herzl, the founder of Zionism, to Israel.

Early Relations

The early years of the two countries' relationship were marked by negotiations and agreements. Austria and Israel negotiated reparations for the crimes of the Second World War, with an agreement reached in September 1952. This was followed by discussions on compensation for persecuted and expropriated Austrian Jews, which concluded in July 1955.

Establishing Diplomatic Relations

On the 2nd of February, 1956, the Austrian government announced the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel. This came after Austria committed to foreign policy neutrality and regained its sovereignty.

Strained Relations

The relationship between Austria and Israel has experienced several challenging periods. In the 1970s, Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky sought a role as a mediator in the Middle East conflict, calling for a Palestinian state. This caused disputes with Israel, straining relations. The Waldheim affair in the 1980s and the participation of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) in the government in 2000 further challenged diplomatic ties.

Recent Developments

Despite these difficulties, Austria and Israel have worked to improve their relationship. After the resignation of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in 2021 due to a corruption probe, relations remained close, and a strategic partnership was concluded in 2022. Austria has taken a pro-Israel stance in recent conflicts, and economic relations between the two countries have expanded significantly.

In summary, Austria's recognition of Israel in 1949 laid the foundation for the development of diplomatic relations and the subsequent evolution of their complex bilateral ties.

Israel-Austria economic relations

Austria and Israel have developed a close partnership covering a broad spectrum, including political exchange, economic relations, scientific cooperation, and cultural relations. In 2022, the two countries concluded a Strategic Partnership with the aim of deepening their bilateral relations.

In 2023, Austria's total exports to Israel amounted to 540 million euros, while imports from Israel totalled 339 million euros. This represents a 50% increase in Austrian exports to Israel between 2018 and 2022. Pharmaceutical products are the largest asset in trade between the two countries, but machinery, vehicles, and special instruments are also traded.

In addition to trade, Israeli tourists contributed one million overnight stays in Austria in 2023, placing Israel in 14th place in Austrian tourist statistics, which is notable given Israel's small size.

The positive atmosphere in bilateral relations and the good political connection have also influenced the Austrians' decision to travel to Israel. The fact that politicians regularly visit Israel and that this is reported in the news has led people to see Israel as a place where one can travel and enjoy, not just a place associated with wars and terrorism.

A pro-Israel stance by Austria was particularly evident in 2023 when, during the Israel-Hamas War, Austria voted against a resolution for a ceasefire, despite many of Israel's closest allies supporting the measure.

The two countries' economic relations have been significantly expanded as political relations have intensified. This is exemplified by the frequent visits of senior Austrian officials and ministers to Israel, and vice versa. The strategic partnership agreement between the two countries aims to raise the level of relations in areas such as the economy, innovation, and medical technology.

In conclusion, Israel and Austria have strong economic relations, which have been bolstered by their close political ties and mutual support.

Tourism between the two countries

Austria and Israel have a history of bilateral relations, with both countries recognising the significance of their ties due to their shared history. The fact that Adolf Hitler and other perpetrators of the Holocaust came from Austria, and that the founder of Zionism, Theodor Herzl, lived in Austria-Hungary, gives the relationship between the two countries a unique relevance. Many Israelis are descendants of Austrian Jews, and the Jewish community in Austria has a long history, dating back to Roman times.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in Israeli tourism to Austria. In 2023, Israeli tourists accounted for one million overnight stays in Austria, an impressive number considering Israel's small size. This increase in tourism can be attributed to the improvement in bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as the positive political connection between them. The frequent visits of senior Austrian officials and ministers to Israel have contributed to this positive relationship.

The strategic partnership agreement between Austria and Israel aims to strengthen ties between the two countries and develop tourism in a balanced way. This includes exchanges of youth delegations and the expansion of the alternative civil service program, which allows young people who are not serving in the military to work at the Yad Vashem museum, the Ghetto Fighters' Museum, kibbutzim, and the Austrian hospice in Jerusalem.

Austria has also become a popular tourism destination for Israelis, with its rich cultural and historical heritage, diverse landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere. Israel's Tourism Minister, Haim Katz, has made a compelling appeal to international travellers, emphasising the country's safety and hospitality. Israel aims to reclaim its position as a premier destination for cultural and historical tourism.

The improvement in bilateral relations between Austria and Israel has fostered closer economic ties, with Austrian exports to Israel increasing by 50% between 2018 and 2022. Pharmaceutical products are the largest asset in trade between the two countries, but machinery, vehicles, and special instruments are also traded.

Austria's stance on Israel-Palestine conflict

Austria's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict

Austria and Israel have a complex relationship that has evolved significantly over the years. While Austria does not fully recognise Palestine as a state, it has supported Palestine's application to join UNESCO and its bid to obtain non-member observer status at the United Nations. Additionally, Austria has raised the position of the head of the Palestinian mission to the level of ambassador.

Historically, Austria's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict has been influenced by its desire to reckon with its role in World War II and the Holocaust, as well as economic opportunities and political calculations. In recent years, Austria has positioned itself as one of the most pro-Israel members of the European Union. This shift began during the coalition government formed by the centre-right People's Party (OVP) and the far-right Freedom Party in 2017. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz worked to strengthen ties with Israel, even as his coalition partner, the Freedom Party, has a history of antisemitism. Kurz's efforts led to improved bilateral relations, increased economic ties, and a boost in Israeli tourism to Austria.

However, Austria's relationship with Israel has not always been smooth. In the 1970s, Chancellor Bruno Kreisky, a Jewish Social Democrat, was often critical of Israel and called for the creation of a Palestinian state. Kreisky's stance created disputes with the Israelis and strained relations between the two countries. Despite this, Austria continued to serve as a transit country for Jewish emigrants from the Eastern Bloc.

In 2023, Austria's support for Israel was highlighted when it voted against a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. This decision was praised by Israel, which saw it as a sign of Austria's loyalty. However, it also drew criticism from those concerned about the mounting Palestinian civilian casualties.

In terms of economic relations, Austrian exports to Israel increased by 50% between 2018 and 2022. Additionally, Israeli tourists contributed to one million overnight stays in Austria in 2023, making them a significant contributor to the country's tourism industry.

While Austria has taken a pro-Israel stance in recent years, there have been efforts to balance this with support for the Palestinian people. In 2024, Austria resumed funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees after freezing it in 2023 due to allegations of employee involvement in the Oct 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants. Austria's Foreign Ministry stated that there was no indication that Austrian-funded projects were misused to fund or promote terrorism or spread antisemitic content.

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