Austria And Romania: Close Neighbors Or Distant Friends?

Austria and Romania are two European countries with a history of diplomatic relations that date back to the recognition of Romania's independence from Turkey by Austria in 1878. Both countries are members of the European Union, with Austria joining in 1995 and Romania in 2007. Geographically, Austria is located in Central Europe and shares borders with Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Switzerland, while Romania is situated in Southeast Europe, bordering Hungary, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. The distance between the two countries is significant, and their proximity may vary depending on the specific locations within each country.

Austria and Romania are both members of the European Union

Austria and Romania are geographically close to each other, with Germany and Hungary as common neighbours. Both countries are members of the European Union, with Austria joining in 1995 and Romania in 2007.

Austria and Romania established diplomatic relations on 23 September 1878. Austria, as Cisleithania, a dominant part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was the first country to recognise Romania's independence from Turkey, which was then the Ottoman Empire. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Austria has an embassy in Bucharest and two consulates in Constanța and Sibiu, while Romania has an embassy in Vienna.

Despite their common history, the relationship between the two countries has had its ups and downs, including periods of hatred, such as during World War I when they fought against each other. However, since joining the EU, there have been more periods of tolerance, cooperation and mutual liking. In recent years, relations have soured due to diplomatic disputes, including Austria's veto of Romania's accession to the Schengen Area. This led to a significant reduction in relations, with Romania withdrawing its ambassador from Vienna and advising its citizens to boycott skiing vacations in Austria.

Despite their differences, Austria and Romania continue to work together as members of the European Union, contributing to the union's decision-making processes and benefiting from its budget and funding opportunities.

Austria opposed Romania's accession to the Schengen Area

Austria and Romania are two European countries that share a history of diplomatic relations, which were established in 1878. In recent times, however, the relationship between the two countries has been strained, largely due to Austria's opposition to Romania's accession to the Schengen Area. This opposition has resulted in diplomatic disputes and a mutual dislike between the two nations.

Austria, an existing member of the Schengen Area, has repeatedly blocked Romania's attempts to join, citing concerns over irregular migration and border security. Romania, on the other hand, has argued that it is not a generator of migratory flow and has fulfilled the necessary criteria for joining. The dispute came to a head in December 2022 when Austria, along with the Netherlands, vetoed Romania's accession, despite the majority of other member states granting their approval. This led to a series of diplomatic repercussions and a significant downturn in Austria-Romania relations.

Romania's government announced that it would reduce relations with Austria and advised its citizens against travelling to the country for skiing vacations, a popular activity for Romanians. Romanian museums, universities, and other organizations also began boycotting any cooperation with Austrian companies, and Austrian branches in Romania experienced protests. Romania's ambassador to Austria, Emil Hurezeanu, was withdrawn, and he expressed his deep concern about the potential rupture in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

However, in November 2024, a breakthrough was announced. Austria agreed to lift its veto on Romania's accession to the Schengen Area, and a joint agreement was signed by the interior ministers of Romania, Bulgaria, and Austria. This agreement included a pledge to address concerns over irregular migration and speed up deportations of rejected applicants. The European Commission and the European Parliament welcomed the news, anticipating a stronger Schengen Area and improved relations between the countries involved.

The agreement still needs to be unanimously endorsed by member states, but it is expected to be approved without issue. This development marks a significant shift in Austria's stance and is likely to ease tensions between Austria and Romania, allowing for improved diplomatic relations and cooperation between the two countries.

Austria's capital, Vienna, is in the northeast of the country

Austria is a landlocked country in central Europe. It is bordered by eight countries, including Germany, the Czech Republic, and Italy. The country is largely mountainous, with the Austrian Alps forming its physical backbone. However, the eastern part of the country is flatter.

Vienna is Austria's cultural, economic, and political centre. It is known as the ""City of Music"" due to its rich musical history and the many famous composers, such as Mozart and Beethoven, who lived and worked there. The city is also renowned for its architectural landmarks, including Baroque palaces and gardens, and its coffeehouse culture, which is recognised as part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Vienna is located around 50 km west of Slovakia, 60 km northwest of Hungary, and 60 km south of the Czech Republic. It is the largest city in Austria by area and is divided into 23 districts. The city has a thriving arts scene, with more than 100 museums, and a vibrant nightlife, with numerous clubs and bars.

Romania is east of Austria, bordering Hungary

Romania is located in Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe, and is the twelfth-largest country in Europe. It borders Ukraine to the north and east, Hungary to the west, Serbia to the southwest, Bulgaria to the south, Moldova to the east, and the Black Sea to the southeast.

Austria, on the other hand, is a landlocked country in central Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Czech Republic, to the northeast by Slovakia, to the east by Hungary, to the south by Slovenia and Italy, and to the west by Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Its capital, Vienna, is located in the northeast of the country.

Given this information, it is clear that Romania is indeed east of Austria, and that the two countries share a neighbour in Hungary.

Austria is a landlocked country

Being landlocked means that a country does not have territory connected to an ocean. There are 44 landlocked countries in the world, and Austria is one of the most affluent, along with Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and others. However, being landlocked also creates political and economic disadvantages, as countries are cut off from important sea resources and direct access to maritime trade.

Austria's landscape is characterised by mountains and forests, with the Austrian Alps forming the physical backbone of the country. The country is divided into nine states, or 'Länder', three of which—Vorarlberg, Tirol, and Salzburg—are known for their majestic high-Alpine scenery. The western part of the state of Kärnten (Carinthia) also has high-Alpine features, as does the Salzkammergut region of central Austria. The Austrian Alps can be subdivided into a northern and southern limestone range, composed of rugged mountains, and a central range composed of crystalline rocks. The highest elevation in the Austrian Alps is the Grossglockner, which rises to 12,460 feet (3,798 metres).

Nearly all Austrian territory drains into the Danube River system. The Danube winds between the eastern edge of the Alps and the hills of Bohemia and Moravia in its journey towards the Hungarian Plain. Vienna lies where the Danube emerges from the mountains into the drier plains.

Frequently asked questions