Austria's Eu Stance: Friend Or Foe?

Austria's relationship with the EU is a complex one. On the one hand, the country has been a member of the EU since 1995, and it is a founding member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. It has also signed the Schengen Agreement and adopted the euro currency. On the other hand, Austria has a history of far-right, populist governments, and in 2017, the country's centre-right People's Party (ÖVP) formed a coalition with the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), making Austria the only Western European nation with a government that includes an anti-immigrant, populist force.

The Freedom Party has long been considered a Eurosceptic party, and its leader, Heinz-Christian Strache, has struck a conciliatory note, stating that the party stands by the European Union and Europe's peace project. However, the party's actions and affiliations tell a different story. The Freedom Party belongs to the Euroskeptic Europe of Nations and Freedom in the European Parliament, and its leader has suggested that Austria join Central Europe's Visegrad Group alongside EU renegades Hungary and Poland. Additionally, the party has a partnership agreement with Vladimir Putin's political party and opposes the international sanctions regime against Russia.

Despite the Freedom Party's influence, Austria has continued to support and participate in the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy and has joined NATO's Partnership for Peace. The country's current chancellor, Karl Nehammer, is from the conservative People's Party, which is solidly pro-European. However, the previous chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, also from the People's Party, has shown a willingness to divert from the political mainstream, particularly during the 2015 refugee crisis, when he spearheaded an effort to close the migration route through the Western Balkans.

Overall, while Austria maintains a close relationship with the EU and has benefited from its membership, there are also strong undercurrents of Euroscepticism and populism within the country, which have influenced its political landscape and relationship with the EU.

Austria's coalition with the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ)

The Freedom Party was founded in the 1950s and has played a significant role in Austrian politics, often as a junior partner in coalition governments. In 2025, the party, led by Herbert Kickl, narrowly won the most votes in the general election, leading to President Alexander van der Bellen asking them to form a coalition with the conservative Austrian People's Party (ÖVP). This marked the first time since World War II that the far-right had the potential to lead the government.

The Freedom Party's platform includes strong anti-immigration and anti-Islam sentiments, with slogans such as "Fortress Austria" and "Austria First." The party has also been accused of conspiracy theories and posing a security risk. Additionally, they have expressed pro-Russian sentiments, with Kickl citing Hungary's Viktor Orbán as a role model and campaigning to lift sanctions against Russia.

The party's history is tied to former Nazis and nationalist ideologies. Its first leader, Anton Reinthaller, was a former Nazi functionary and SS officer. While the party initially presented itself as centrist, it later shifted towards right-wing populism under the leadership of Jörg Haider in 1986. This shift resulted in increased electoral support but also led to internal tensions and splinter groups.

The Freedom Party has faced criticism and condemnation from centrist leaders and Austrian Jewish leaders, who view the party as a security risk and a threat to democratic values. However, the party has gained support amid rising voter anger over immigration and inflation, tapping into anti-establishment sentiments.

The impact of the Freedom Party's potential leadership extends beyond Austria due to the country's strong alliances and role as a geographical crossroads in the EU. The party's far-right, populist, and nationalist ideologies have contributed to a growing bloc of EU countries led by the far-right, including Italy, the Netherlands, Slovakia, and Hungary.

The FPÖ's stance on Russia

Historically, the FPÖ has maintained a relatively pro-Russian stance. In the past, FPÖ politicians have expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his policies. They have also opposed EU sanctions on Russia and criticised NATO's presence in Eastern Europe. However, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the FPÖ's position has become more nuanced. While they still oppose sanctions on Russia, they have condemned the invasion and supported Austria's participation in EU sanctions.

Austria's refusal to back the UN Migration Pact

Austria's decision not to sign the pact was heavily criticised by progressive forces in the European Parliament, who argued that it damaged the EU's image and contradicted the country's role as the holder of the EU's rotating presidency at the time. The Austrian government's stance on migration was further emphasised by their prioritisation of protecting the EU's external borders during their presidency, demonstrating a hard-line approach to immigration.

The UN Migration Pact, officially known as the "Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration," aimed to establish a common approach to international migration, with objectives to better organise refugee flows and define their rights more precisely. While the pact was not legally binding, critics of Austria's decision argued that it contributed to a "Europe of fears and retrenchment."

Austria's refusal to join the pact reflected a broader shift in the country's political landscape, with the rise of conservative and far-right parties influencing immigration policies. This decision also highlighted the ongoing disagreements on migration within the EU, which have been a source of tension among member states for years.

Despite the criticism, supporters of the Austrian government's position argued that it was "refreshing" to see a different viewpoint on migration within the EU. This incident underscores the complexities of EU membership, where countries must balance their national interests with the collective goals of the union.

Austria's stance on immigration

Austria's immigration model, the Red-White-Red Card, offers qualified third-country workers and their families a single permit for working and settling permanently in the country. Austria is bound by EU rules on freedom of establishment, which require all member states' citizens to be treated equally.

Austria's population is just over 9 million, with 22.3% of residents being foreign-born. Turks are the largest single immigrant group, closely followed by Serbs.

The future of the EU

Austria's future in the EU is uncertain, with the country's political landscape shifting towards the right and adopting anti-immigration policies. The country's current chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, leads a coalition government composed of his centre-right People's Party (ÖVP) and the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ). This coalition has caused concern among other European capitals, as it is the only Western European nation with a government that includes an anti-immigrant, populist force.

The FPÖ has long been associated with Eurosceptic views, opposing Austria's entry into the EU in 1994 and the introduction of the euro in 1998. While the ÖVP has traditionally been pro-European, Kurz himself has demonstrated a willingness to diverge from the political mainstream, notably during the 2015 refugee crisis. He spearheaded efforts to close the migration route through the Western Balkans, going against German Chancellor Angela Merkel's position. Kurz's stance on immigration and the future of the EU has found support among German conservatives, particularly those to the right of Merkel, who see him as a model for re-energizing conservative values.

Despite the coalition's pro-EU stance, Austria has upset its EU partners with its refusal to back the UN Migration Pact in 2018 and the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl's wedding amid tense relations over the Ukraine crisis. Additionally, the FPÖ's close ties with Vladimir Putin's United Russia party have raised concerns among European spy agencies. Kurz has sought to curb these concerns by shifting core EU responsibilities to the chancellery, giving him firm control over EU policy.

The future of Austria's relationship with the EU remains uncertain, as the coalition partners hold differing views on key issues. The ÖVP supports a stronger, reformed EU, while the FPÖ has formed an alliance with Italy's right-wing populist Matteo Salvini, who opposes further EU integration. The issue of abolishing the right of veto by EU member states on foreign policy matters has also divided the coalition. As the future of the EU is discussed and Kurz calls for a new EU treaty, it remains to be seen whether the coalition can come to an agreement.

Frequently asked questions