Austria's Geographical Identity: Eastern Or Central Europe?

Austria is a largely mountainous landlocked country in south-central Europe. It is bordered by eight countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Its geographic position has been key to its prominence, as it lies on the great Danubian trade route between east and west, and between north and south through the Alpine passes.

During the Cold War, Austria was considered a Western European country, as it was not part of the Eastern Bloc of communist states under the influence of the Soviet Union. However, the term Eastern Europe is ambiguous and carries various geopolitical, geographical, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic connotations. While some definitions of Eastern Europe include countries such as Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, and Romania, others include some or all of the Balkans, Baltic states, and the Caucasus.

In a broader sense, Central Europe is often described as a contact zone or buffer zone between Eastern and Western Europe, and Austria is typically included in this region. However, the specific countries encompassed by Central Europe are also subject to debate and vary depending on the source.

Austria's history with Eastern Europe

Austria's history is closely tied to that of its neighbours, and its geographical location has made it a key player in the region's historical events.

Pre-20th Century History

During the Middle Ages, Germanic tribes (including the Franks, Alemans, and Bavarians) inhabited the western regions of Central Europe, while Slavic tribes occupied the east. The Holy Roman Empire, which incorporated parts of what is now Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Switzerland, was founded in the 9th century. The Kingdom of Hungary was established in the Carpathian Basin in the 9th century, and the Principality of Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) in the 10th century.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, parts of present-day Croatia and Hungary were under Ottoman rule, and southern Slovakia was occupied by the Ottoman Empire. During this time, the Habsburg monarchy, a prominent power within the Holy Roman Empire, reigned over territories including Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovenia.

20th Century History

In the 20th century, the term "Eastern Europe" took on a new dimension due to the Cold War and was often used to refer to the Eastern Bloc countries under the influence of the Soviet Union. Austria, however, was considered a Western country during this time, despite its geographical proximity to Eastern Europe.

After World War II, Austria, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia declared neutrality and were not part of the Eastern Bloc. The end of the Cold War allowed Austria to move closer to the centre of a larger Europe and foster integration with its neighbouring states in Eastern and Central Europe.

21st Century

Austria joined the European Union in 1995 and has since focused its efforts on promoting the integration of neighbouring Eastern and Central European countries. It has also contributed to international peace and security efforts, including participating in missions in Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Afghanistan.

Austria's geography

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, sharing borders with eight countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It is a predominantly mountainous country, with around 60% of its territory belonging to the Eastern Alps. The Austrian Alps form the physical backbone of the country and can be subdivided into northern, central and southern ranges. The highest mountain in Austria is the Grossglockner, which rises to 3,797 or 3,798 metres.

Austria's landscape is characterised by mountains and forests, although in the northeastern part of the country, the Danube River winds between the eastern edge of the Alps and the hills of Bohemia and Moravia. Vienna lies where the Danube emerges from the mountains into the drier plains. The country's other major lakes include Lake Constance in the west and the marshy Neusiedler Lake in the east.

Austria's position post-Cold War

During the Cold War, Austria was occupied by the four Allied powers: the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, the United States, and France. However, unlike Germany, Austria was not partitioned, and the occupation of Vienna was particularly challenging due to the close proximity of Soviet and American troops, which fuelled suspicions during the early Cold War. The country's position in Central Europe, bordering both Western and Eastern Bloc countries, made it a crucial site for intelligence-gathering operations.

Austria's strategic location also led to confusion among the Allies about the best way to handle the country. The Moscow Declaration of 1943 stated that Austria was a separate nation and the first victim of Hitler's aggression. However, there were doubts about its viability as an independent state due to its inability to resist Hitler's annexation in 1938. The country's small size and strategic location made it vulnerable to interference from other powers. The British proposed a Danubian confederacy or a political union with Bavaria to strengthen postwar Austria and prevent a resurgence of German militarism, but these plans were never implemented.

In the end, the Western Allies and the Soviet Union agreed to grant Austria full independence on the condition that it remain neutral and not join any military alliances such as NATO or the Warsaw Pact. This agreement, known as the Austrian State Treaty, came into force on July 27, 1955, ending the occupation. Austria's neutrality created a gap in NATO's German and Italian frontline, complicating the organisation's military plans.

While Austria was politically restrained from joining either Superpower bloc, it was culturally and economically connected to the West. American cultural missions, programs, and materials integrated Austria into Western culture, and its open borders with Western countries facilitated the flow of Western products and tourists.

Austria's role in the EU

Austria has been a member of the European Union since 1995, following a referendum in 1994 in which two-thirds of the country voted in favour of joining. It is not a member of NATO.

Austria has 20 representatives in the European Parliament and its official EU language is German. It uses the euro as its currency and is a member of the Schengen Area.

Austria has a federal parliamentary republic with a chancellor as the head of government and a president as the head of state. The country consists of nine states, one of which is the capital, Vienna.

Austria is the fifth-highest EU country in terms of GDP per capita, with €46,200, well above the EU average of €37,600. It accounts for 2.8% of the EU's total GDP.

Austria's commissioner in the European Commission is Johannes Hahn, who is responsible for Budget and Administration.

Austria has 12 representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee and 12 on the European Committee of the Regions.

Austria's role in NATO

Historical Context

Austria's stance on military alliances has been largely shaped by its history. After World War II, Austria was occupied by the four victorious Allied powers, and during negotiations to end the occupation, the Soviet Union pushed for Austrian neutrality, similar to Switzerland. This was eventually enshrined in the Austrian constitution in October 1955, with the Declaration of Neutrality. This declaration prohibits Austria from joining a military alliance, hosting foreign military bases, or participating in wars.

Current Relationship with NATO

Austria has had formal relations with NATO since 1995 when it joined the Partnership for Peace program. It also participates in the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and contributes military personnel to NATO, EU, and UN peacekeeping operations worldwide. Additionally, Austria's military leads the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina and has deployments in several countries, including Kosovo and Lebanon.

Debate on NATO Membership

The debate around Austria joining NATO has intensified in recent years, especially in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Some Austrian politicians, like conservative Andreas Khol and former Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel, have argued in favor of NATO membership, particularly in the context of increasing security concerns in Europe. However, current Chancellor Karl Nehammer has rejected the idea, and public opinion polls show that a majority of Austrians oppose joining NATO, with only around 21% in support.

Impact of Neutrality

Austria's neutrality has had a significant impact on its foreign policy and economic relations. As a neutral country, Austria has emphasized its role as an East-West hub and a moderator between industrialized and developing countries. It hosts several international organizations, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Austria's neutrality has also influenced its response to the Ukraine crisis, with the country providing humanitarian aid and supporting sanctions without directly participating in military aid.

Future Prospects

While Austria currently maintains its neutrality and is not actively seeking NATO membership, the dynamic geopolitical landscape in Europe may lead to a reevaluation of its position in the future. As security threats evolve and alliances shift, Austria will need to carefully consider its strategic interests and the potential benefits and challenges of joining NATO.

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