Damon Mcknight
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, sharing its borders with eight countries: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy. Vienna, the capital of Austria, is well-connected to other major cities in Europe and serves as a hub for international travel to and from the country. The geographic location of Austria at the center of Europe contributes to its cultural diversity and makes it easily accessible from anywhere in the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Neighbours | 8 |
| Neighbouring Countries | Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein |
| Bordering Countries | Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein |
| Neighbours in the EU | Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy |
| Neighbours not in the EU | Switzerland, Liechtenstein |
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What You'll Learn
- Austria's neighbouring countries are a regional priority in its foreign policy
- Switzerland and Liechtenstein are not members of the EU
- Austria has longstanding historical links with its neighbours
- The Alpine and Danube regions are areas of geographical similarity
- Austria's exports to Central and Eastern Europe nearly tripled since 2004
Austria's neighbouring countries are a regional priority in its foreign policy
Austria's foreign policy has been historically defined by its neutrality. The country has traditionally been active in "bridge-building to the east," increasing contacts and exchanges with Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union states. Austria's neighbouring countries are a regional priority in its foreign policy. Austria shares borders with Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Poland, and maintains close relations with these countries.
Austria's foreign policy towards its neighbours is characterized by cooperation and the pursuit of peaceful relations. This is exemplified by its commitment to protecting the rights and cultural existence of minorities in bordering regions, such as South Tyrol in Italy. Austria also engages in regular meetings and dialogue with its neighbours at various levels of government, fostering constructive exchanges and regional cooperation initiatives.
Austria's relations with its neighbours are influenced by historical links, shared borders, geographical similarities, economic interdependence, and cultural exchanges. Trade with neighbouring countries accounts for a significant portion of Austria's economic activities. The country's membership in the European Union (EU) and participation in the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) further shape its foreign policy towards neighbouring countries.
Austria's foreign policy towards its neighbours has evolved over time. After World War II, Austria's neutrality was enshrined in its constitution, declaring its intention to remain independent and refrain from joining military alliances. However, in recent years, Austria has reassessed its definition of neutrality, participating in UN-sanctioned actions and contemplating a more active role in European security structures.
Additionally, Austria's foreign policy towards its neighbours has been influenced by its historical context. The country has experienced periods of occupation and annexation, such as the Nazi German annexation in 1938, which impacted its relations with Germany and other European nations. Austria's foreign policy also underwent controversy in 2000 due to political shifts, leading to temporary diplomatic sanctions from European countries.
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Switzerland and Liechtenstein are not members of the EU
Austria's neighbouring countries are Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. While most of these countries are members of the EU, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are not.
Switzerland is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and took part in negotiating the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement with the European Union. It signed the agreement on 2 May 1992 and subsequently submitted an application for accession to the EU on 20 May 1992. However, Switzerland is not a member of the EU. This is because a Swiss referendum held on 6 December 1992 rejected EEA membership by a very narrow margin of 50.3% to 49.7%. As a result, the Swiss government decided to suspend negotiations for EU membership until further notice. These negotiations did not resume, and in 2016, Switzerland formally withdrew its application for EU membership. Despite not being a member of the EU, Switzerland has a long tradition of successful cooperation with the EU in the field of R&I and is an associate member of Horizon 2020, Euratom, and the Fusion Programme. Switzerland is also part of the Schengen Agreement, which allows the free movement of people across European borders.
Switzerland and the EU have close relations in the fields of politics, trade, and science. They share history, languages, culture, and political values. Switzerland is the EU's fourth-largest trading partner, and the EU is Switzerland's largest trading partner. The EU accounts for around 42% of Switzerland's exports in goods and 60% of its imports, while Switzerland accounts for more than 7% of the EU's exports and 6% of its imports.
Liechtenstein, a microstate in Europe, is also not a member of the EU. However, it is a member of the EEA and EFTA. Liechtenstein joined the EEA on 1 May 1995 after becoming a full member of EFTA in 1991. Its membership in the EEA gives it access to the EU single market. Liechtenstein has also signed the Schengen Agreement and became part of the Schengen Area on 19 December 2011.
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Austria has longstanding historical links with its neighbours
Austria, a landlocked country in Central Europe, shares borders with several neighbouring countries, including Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. These neighbouring countries have longstanding historical links with Austria, dating back to the country's complex history and geographic position.
Austria's historical ties with its neighbours are deeply rooted, particularly in the context of the country's central role in the former Austria-Hungary empire. The collapse of this empire in 1918 significantly shaped the region's dynamics, leading to social and economic changes in Austria and its neighbouring countries. One notable historical event is the Treaty of Saint-Germain in 1919, after the First World War, which resulted in South Tyrol, formerly a part of Austria, being ceded to Italy. This led to a period of oppression of the German-speaking population in South Tyrol under the Fascist regime. Austria's negotiations with Italy after the Second World War aimed to secure autonomy for the region and protect the rights of the Austrian and Ladin minorities.
The geographic location of Austria has also played a crucial role in its historical links with neighbouring countries. Situated at the crossroads of European trade routes, Austria became an integral part of the Danubian trade route and the Alpine passes. This position facilitated economic interdependence and cultural exchange with its neighbours. In recent times, Austria's foreign policy has prioritised relations with its immediate neighbours, focusing on cooperation, trade, and cultural exchange.
Austria's relations with its neighbours have evolved significantly since the EU enlargement in 2004. The country's exports to Central and Eastern Europe nearly tripled, and the COVID-19 pandemic further strengthened regional cooperation, particularly with Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, leading to the formation of the "Central Five" format for regional cooperation. Additionally, Austria's unique relationship with Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the only neighbouring countries outside the EU, is governed by specific agreements, such as Switzerland's comprehensive agreements with the EU and Liechtenstein's membership in the European Economic Area (EEA).
In summary, Austria's longstanding historical links with its neighbours are characterised by geographic proximity, shared history, economic interdependence, and cultural exchange. The country's central location in Europe has influenced its relationships and contributed to its prominent position in regional dynamics and cooperation.
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The Alpine and Danube regions are areas of geographical similarity
Austria's neighbours include Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. Austria's foreign policy pays special attention to its relations with these countries, considering factors such as historical links, common borders, geographical similarities, economic interdependence, and cultural exchange. One notable aspect of geographical similarity is found in the Alpine and Danube regions.
The Alps are a prominent physiographic feature of Western Europe, stretching approximately 1,200 kilometres (750 miles) across eight countries: Monaco, France, Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia. The Alpine arch extends from Nice on the Western Mediterranean to Trieste on the Adriatic and Vienna at the beginning of the Pannonian Basin. While the Alps traverse these countries, only Switzerland and Austria are considered true Alpine countries.
The Alpine region is characterised by its high-elevation terrain, with elevations above the treeline exhibiting similarities to polar regions, leading to the term "Alpine" being used to describe such climates. The Alps include notable peaks such as Mont Blanc, which spans the French-Italian border and is the highest mountain in the Alps at 4,809 metres (15,778 feet). The Alpine region contains 82 peaks that exceed 4,000 metres (13,000 feet) in elevation.
The northeast end of the Alpine arc is situated directly on the Danube River, which flows into the Black Sea. The Danube touches the Alps at the Leopoldsberg near Vienna. The Alps influence the weather patterns in Europe, contributing to a wet north and dry south due to moisture being extracted from the air as it passes over the high peaks.
The Alpine and Danube regions, shared by Austria and its neighbouring countries, thus exhibit geographical similarities in terms of their mountainous terrain, elevation, and impact on climate and weather patterns. These similarities have influenced the foreign policy dynamics and regional cooperation between Austria and its neighbours.
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Austria's exports to Central and Eastern Europe nearly tripled since 2004
Austria is a landlocked Central European nation with a highly developed social market economy. It is bordered by Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Austria's exports to Central and Eastern Europe nearly tripled since 2004, with trade to these countries accounting for almost 14% of Austrian exports.
Austria's economy is one of the richest in the world in terms of GDP per capita, and it has a highly efficient social security system, with social expenditure making up around 29.4% of GDP. The country's exports are diverse and include machinery, computers, pharmaceuticals, electrical equipment, and organic chemicals. In 2023, Austria's exports were valued at $223.9 billion, a 30.5% increase from 2019.
Historically, Germany was Austria's main trading partner, but since joining the European Union, Austria has developed closer ties with other EU economies and reduced its economic dependence on Germany. Trade with other EU countries now accounts for almost 66% of Austrian imports and exports. Austria's exports to Central and Eastern Europe have particularly benefited from this shift, with increasing trade and investment in the emerging markets of this region.
Austria's membership in the EU has also attracted foreign investors, who are drawn to the country's access to the European Single Market and proximity to aspiring EU economies. The country's strong labour movement and influence on labour politics further contribute to its economic landscape. Additionally, tourism is a vital part of Austria's economy, accounting for around 10% of its GDP.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria is bordered by Germany and the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west.
The capital of Austria is Vienna (Wien), which is renowned for its architecture and history as the former seat of the Holy Roman Empire.
Austria's central location in Europe has contributed to its prominence by making it a key transit hub for trade and travel between eastern and western Europe, as well as between the north and south through the Alpine passes.
Austria prioritises its relations with its neighbouring countries, particularly in terms of economic interrelations and cultural exchange. The country holds regular meetings with its neighbours and actively participates in regional cooperation programmes as part of the European integration process.
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