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Hay & Menon: European Politics

Austria

In order to avoid confrontation with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, Austria committed itself to the 'Moscow Memorandum', which involved declaring permanent neutrality. This was interpreted as precluding Austria from membership of the European Community, although Austria did decide to join the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). During the second half of the 1980s, and in response to the single market programme, Austria's political elite gradually came to call for membership of the EC. It was increasingly argued that this was not incompatible with Austria's continued commitment to neutrality. Thus, in 1989 Austria applied for membership of the EC and on 1 January 1995 Austria became a full member of the EU. Prior to EU accession, Austria held a referendum on the issue of EU membership, in which 67% voted 'yes', with an 82% turnout. Since joining the EU, Austria experienced a major diplomatic issue following the election to office (as a junior coalition partner) of the far-right Freedom Party in 1999. In response to this election, the other EU member states threatened to suspend Austria's membership, although this threat was later withdrawn. Perhaps in response, Austria currently has the most Eurosceptic national public of all member states.