On 16 December 1985, the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) submits to the Austrian Parliament a motion for a resolution in which it calls for enhanced cooperation between Austria and the European Communities.

On 28 January 1987, in a government statement to the Austrian Parliament, the Austrian Chancellor, Franz Vranitzky, emphasises the importance which the coalition Government, composed of the Socialist Party of Austria (SPÖ) and the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), attaches to the policy of European integration.

In his memoirs, Franz Vranitzky, former Austrian Chancellor, refers to his visit to the Soviet Union in October 1988 with a view to securing from the Soviet leaders the diplomatic green light which will enable Austria to open negotiations for accession to the European Communities.

In March 1988, the German weekly newspaper Die Zeit considers the advantages and disadvantages of Austria’s possible accession to the European Communities.

‘If we board, it will be with our boat.’ In 1988, the Swiss cartoonist, Hans Geisen, illustrates the difficulties involved in Austria’s accession to the European Communities, in particular because of its neutral status.

In 1988, Peter Jankowitsch, former Austrian Foreign Minister, sets out a number of Social-Democratic principles regarding future relations between Austria and the European Communities.

On 21 November 1988, the Austrian Foreign Ministry publishes a study which deems that Austria’s accession to the European Communities is compatible with the country’s permanent neutral status.

On 3 April 1989, Franz Vranitzky, Leader of the Socialist Party of Austria (SPÖ), forwards to the Party’s Executive Committee a report in which he sets out his opinion on the position that should be taken by Austria with regard to the decision of the Twelve to establish the single internal market in 1992.

On 26 June 1989, the Socialist Party of Austria (SPÖ) and the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) sign an agreement with a view to ensuring concerted action in the area of European integration policy.

In 1989, in a report on the future relationship between Austria and the European Communities, the coalition Government, composed of the Socialist Party of Austria (SPÖ) and the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), outlines its decision to participate fully in European integration and to apply for accession to the European Communities.

In 1988, one year before Austria’s official application for accession to the European Communities, the Federation of Austrian Industry (VÖI) produces a film which highlights the benefits that accession would bring to the Austrian industrial and business sector.

In this interview, Manfred Scheich, Head of the Austrian Foreign Ministry’s Department for Economic Policy and Integration and chief negotiator for the diplomatic negotiations on the country’s accession to the European Union from 1987 to 1995, describes the aims of the new European integration policy pursued by Austria from 1987 onwards. He particularly explains the concept of a global approach, which underpinned this policy until Austria joined the European Union in 1995.

In this interview, Manfred Scheich, Head of the Austrian Foreign Ministry’s Department for Economic Policy and Integration and chief negotiator for the diplomatic negotiations on the country’s accession to the European Union from 1987 to 1995, explains how the question of Austria’s neutrality was re-examined during the work conducted to analyse the establishment of closer relations between Austria and the European Communities.

In this interview, Manfred Scheich, Austrian Ambassador to the European Communities from 1983 to 1986, gives the Austrian authorities’ interpretation of the country’s neutral status, and explains how this interpretation was incompatible with accession to the European Communities.

In this interview, Manfred Scheich, Head of the Austrian Foreign Ministry’s Department for Economic Policy and Integration and chief negotiator for the diplomatic negotiations on the country’s accession to the European Union from 1987 to 1995, describes how the Soviet authorities reacted to Austria’s wish to join the European Communities.

In this interview, Manfred Scheich, Head of the Austrian Foreign Ministry’s Department for Economic Policy and Integration and chief negotiator for the diplomatic negotiations on the country’s accession to the European Union from 1987 to 1995, describes how the countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) reacted to Austria’s wish to join the European Communities.

In this interview, Manfred Scheich, Head of the Austrian Foreign Ministry’s Department for Economic Policy and Integration and chief negotiator for the diplomatic negotiations on the country’s accession to the European Union from 1987 to 1995, describes how the European Communities reacted to Austria’s wish to join the organisation.

In 1987, the Federation of Austrian Industrialists (VÖI) publishes a pamphlet in which it calls for Austria’s accession to the European Communities.

On 27 November 1987, the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) tables a draft resolution to the National Council which calls for the opening of negotiations for Austria’s accession to the European Communities.

In 1988, the Communist Party of Austria (KPÖ) issues a pamphlet in which it highlights the dangers for Austria of accession to the European Communities (EC).

On 23 May 1988, the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) publishes a manifesto on Europe in which it emphasises Austria’s European credentials and declares its support for the country’s accession to the European Communities.

On 6 December 1988, the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB) publishes a memorandum in which it declares its support for the steps taken by the Austrian Government with a view to pursuing a more active European integration policy.

On 23 March 1988, Freda Blau-Meissner, leader of the Green Party parliamentary group in the Austrian National Council, warns against the dangers for Austria of accession to the European Union.

In February 1989, following its conference on Europe held in Innsbruck, the Austrian Green Alternative Party issues a manifesto in which it sets out its arguments against Austria’s accession to the European Union.

In 1989, the Communist Party of Austria (KPÖ) expresses its opposition to Austria's accession to the European Communities.

On 1 March 1989, the four Austrian social partners publish a joint statement of views on Austria’s European policy. They emphasise the importance for Austria of taking part in the European integration process in order to safeguard the country’s economic and social achievements.

In January 1989, the Austrian Chamber of Labour publishes a statement in which it reaffirms its support for the steps taken by the Government with a view to the country’s accession to the European Communities.

On 29 June 1989, Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, outlines to the Members of the National Council the advantages for Austria of full accession to the European Communities.

On 29 June 1989, the Austrian National Council adopts a resolution which establishes a clear framework for the negotiations for Austria’s accession to the European Communities.

On 14 July 1989, Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, sends a letter to Roland Dumas, French Foreign Minister and President-in-Office of the Council of the European Communities, in which Austria officially submits its application for accession to the European Communities.

‘Everyone is heading for Brussels.’ On 15 July 1989, the day after the submission of Austria’s application for accession to the European Communities, the cartoonist, Fritz Behrendt, illustrates the snowball effect of Austria’s application for accession on all the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEECs).

On 17 July 1989, in Brussels, Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, presents Austria’s official application for accession to the European Communities to Roland Dumas, French Foreign Minister and President-in-Office of the Council of the European Communities.

‘The EC marathon.’ In 1989, the Austrian cartoonist, Ironimus, portrays Austria’s possible accession to the European Communities as an obstacle course.

In this interview, Manfred Scheich, Head of the Austrian Foreign Ministry’s Department for Economic Policy and Integration and chief negotiator for the diplomatic negotiations on the country’s accession to the European Union from 1987 to 1995, discusses the particularities of Austria’s official application for accession to the European Communities in July 1987, particularly with regard to the country’s neutral status.

On 4 July 1990, during debates held in the National Council, Karel Smolle, Member of the Austrian Green Alternative Party, criticises the government's European policy for focusing on Austria's accession to the European Communities.

‘EC Treaty — State Treaty: Equilibrist’. In 1990, the Austrian cartoonist, Ironimus, illustrates the efforts made by Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, to reconcile Austria’s neutral status as defined in the 1955 State Treaty with the country’s wish to accede to the European Union.

On 3 February 1991, the Austrian Government draws up a detailed report on Austria’s European policy.

On 14 March 1991, the Austrian Green Alternative Party tables an urgent parliamentary question to Franz Vranitzky, Federal Chancellor, on the Austrian Government’s stance towards the Community demands concerning the transit of goods by road in the Austrian Alps.

On 16 July 1991, two years after the submission of Austria’s application for accession to the European Communities and in the light of recent political events in Central Europe, Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, emphasises the importance of European integration for his country.

Graph showing trends, between 1990 and 2004, in road transport across the Brenner Pass in the Alps which links Austria and Italy.

On 31 July 1991, the European Commission issues a detailed and favourable opinion on Austria’s application for accession to the European Communities on the basis, in particular, of an assessment of the country’s economic situation.

On 2 August 1991, commenting on the European Commission’s approval of Austria’s application for accession to the European Communities, the Vienna daily newspaper Die Presse outlines the implications of European integration for Austria.

In November 1991, the Austrian Foreign Ministry sends an aide-mémoire to the Twelve in which it welcomes the favourable opinion from the European Commission regarding Austria’s application for accession to the European Communities.

In 1991, Wolfgang Schüssel, Austrian Foreign Minister and President-in-Office of the Council of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), outlines why the progress made in European integration offers new options for Europe’s political and economic future.

On 25 February 1992, the French daily newspaper Le Monde outlines the arguments put forward by the opponents to Austria’s accession to the European Union.

On 1 May 1992, people opposed to Austria’s accession to the European Union demonstrate in the streets of Vienna.

On 1 May 1992, some 400 people take to the streets of Vienna to demonstrate against Austria’s accession to the European Union.

On 1 May 1992, on the margins of the demonstrations organised by the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ), opponents of Austria’s accession to the European Union (EU) unfurl a banner on the front of the City Hall in Vienna.

On 12 May 1992, the Austrian Green Alternative refers a motion of censure to the Austrian Chancellor, Franz Vranitzky, against the Transit Agreement between Austria and the European Union. In this photo, Rudi Anschober, Green MP, displays the Austrian flag soiled with tyre tracks, watched by the Chancellor, Franz Vranitzky (left), and the Minister for Transport, Victor Klima (right).

In order to ensure that citizens are kept well informed about the implications of Austria’s accession to the European Union (EU), the Austrian Government sets up a free-phone number. On 14 December 1992, Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, replies personally to the questions submitted.

At the end of the Edinburgh European Council, held on 11 and 12 December 1992, the Twelve adopt a series of measures relating to the opening of accession negotiations between Austria, Sweden, Finland and Norway and the European Union.

On 14 December 1992, the Austrian Federal Chancellor, Franz Vranitzky, delivers an address to the National Council in Vienna in which he welcomes the decisions taken by the Twelve at the Edinburgh European Council with particular regard to the opening of negotiations for Austria's accession to the European Communities.

On 14 December 1992, Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, delivers an address to the National Council in which he welcomes the conclusions of the Edinburgh European Council which signal a decisive step in the process of Austria’s accession to the European Communities.

On 21 January 1993, the Austrian Government outlines its political and economic position before the opening of the negotiations for the country's accession to the European Union, due to begin on 1 February 1993.

In the spring of 1993, in an article for Politique étrangère, a magazine produced by the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI), Paul Luif, Member of the Austrian Institute for International Affairs (ÖIIP), outlines the reasons which have prompted Austria, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland to apply for accession to the European Union and considers the economic, political and strategic implications of the future accession negotiations.

In 1993, the extreme left-wing Austrian student movement Revolutionsbräuhof (RBH) condemns Austria’s accession to the European Union.

On 1 February 1993, Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, welcomes the opening, in Brussels, of the negotiations for the accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden to the European Union.

In February 1993, during the negotiations for Austria’s accession to the European Union (EU), the Austrian Government answers some 200 environmental questions from several Austrian environmental organisations.

‘Mock in Brussels — EC: “… Open up, my darling!”’ On 2 February 1993, the Viennese cartoonist, Ironimus, illustrates the opening, in Brussels, of the negotiations for Austria’s accession to the European Union and portrays the arrival of Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, at the head of the Austrian Delegation.

On 9 July 1993, in its programme on Europe, the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) outlines its conception of Europe and sets out its objectives for the negotiations with the European Union.

In July 1993, to mark the beginning of accession negotiations with the European Union, the Austrian Federal States reaffirm their support for the Government and call on it to conclude the negotiations as quickly as possible and to enable Austria to accede to the European Union.

In October 1993, Franz Fischler, Austrian Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, draws up a report on the implications for Austrian agriculture of the country’s accession to the European Union (EU).

On 4 November 1993, Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, sets out the reasons prompting Austria to seek to accede to the European Union and outlines the main difficulties surrounding the accession negotiations.

In May 1993, the Federation of Austrian Industrialists outlines the advantages of Austria's possible accession to the European Union and warns of the dangers of the country's isolation with regard to the process of European integration.

In 1994, the Austrian Liberal Party Liberales Forum publishes a brochure in which it outlines the arguments in favour of Austria's accession to the European Union (EU).

In this interview, Manfred Scheich, Head of the Austrian Foreign Ministry’s Department for Economic Policy and Integration and chief negotiator for the diplomatic negotiations on the country’s accession to the European Union from 1987 to 1995, describes the main chapters tackled during the negotiations for Austria’s accession to the European Union, which started in 1993.

On 1 March 1994, in Brussels, Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, receives warm applause for having led the negotiations for Austria’s accession to the European Union (EU) to a successful conclusion.

On 2 March 1994, Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, and Erhard Busek, Federal Vice-Chancellor and leader of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), make a triumphant return to Vienna Airport after the success of the negotiations held in Brussels for Austria’s accession to the European Union.

On 2 March 1994, addressing the National Council in Vienna, Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, welcomes the outcome of the negotiations for Austria’s accession to the European Union (EU).

On 2 March 1994, in Vienna, Franz Vranitzky, Austrian Federal Chancellor, delivers an address to the National Council in which he welcomes the success, the previous day in Brussels, of the negotiations for Austria’s accession to the European Union.

On 2 March 1994, in Vienna, Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, delivers an address to the National Council in which he welcomes the success, the previous day in Brussels, of the negotiations for Austria’s accession to the European Union.

On 2 March 1994, in Vienna, Jörg Haider, MP and leader of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), delivers an address to the National Council in which he warns Austria of the dangers involved in accession to the European Union.

On 2 March 1994, Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, Franz Vranitzky, Austrian Federal Chancellor, and Erhard Busek, Federal Vice-Chancellor and Leader of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), give their reactions to the successful outcome of the negotiations held in Brussels for Austria’s accession to the European Union.

On 16 March 1994, the Austrian Government draws up a report on the outcome of the negotiations for Austria’s accession to the European Union.

In his political memoirs, Franz Fischler, former Austrian Minister for Agriculture and Forestry and, in this capacity, member of the Austrian Delegation to the negotiations for Austria’s accession to the European Union, refers to the prevailing atmosphere during the negotiations in Brussels and summarises the results that were achieved.

On 22 April 1994, the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) and the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) sign an agreement on Europe which, in particular, sets out in detail the socio-political measures to be implemented and focuses on agricultural and transport issues.

On 19 April 1994, the Commission of the European Communities delivers a favourable opinion on the accession of Austria, Finland, Norway and Sweden to the European Union.

On 4 May 1994, the European Parliament adopts four legislative resolutions in order to give its assent to the applications submitted by Norway, Austria, Finland and Sweden for accession to the European Union. This is the legislative resolution on Austria's application for accession.

In this film, produced in 1994, Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, discusses the history and the importance of the European integration process.

On 16 May 1994, the Council of the European Union agrees to the accession of Norway, Austria, Finland and Sweden to the European Union.

On 14 July 1994, following the positive outcome of the referendum held on 12 June in Austria on the country’s accession to the European Union, the Austrian Chancellor, Fritz Vranitzky, returns before the Austrian Parliament to answer questions on Austria’s European policy on the signing of the Treaty of Accession in Corfu on 24 June and sets out the Government’s plans with a view to the drafting of a White Paper to define the priority areas of European policy.

On 31 August 1994, Andreas Khol, Leader of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), forwards a note to the members of the Party’s Europe Committee on the new priorities of Austria’s foreign policy following its accession to the European Union on 1 January 1995.

On 25 September 1994, Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, answers a written parliamentary question on the stage reached in the procedure for ratification of Austria’s Treaty of Accession to the European Union.

On 17 November 1994, Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, describes the implications of Austria’s accession to the European Union and hopes for the rapid parliamentary approval of the Accession Treaty.

On 17 January 1995, following Austria’s accession to the European Union, Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, outlines to the Austrian Parliament the new basis for the country’s foreign policy.

‘Currying favour with the citizen.' On 15 April 1994, in the Vienna-based daily newspaper Die Presse, the Austrian cartoonist, Ironimus, portrays the efforts being made by the Austrian Chancellor, Franz Vranitzky, to encourage his fellow citizens to vote ‘Yes' in the referendum to be held on 12 June 1994 on Austria's accession to the European Union.

In 1994, the Austrian Chambers of Commerce publish a series of posters illustrating the advantages of Austria’s accession to the European Union and provide a hotline for answers to questions about the European Union and how it works.

In 1994, the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) publishes a series of posters calling on Austrians to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum, scheduled for 12 June 1994, on the country’s accession to the European Union.

In 1994 and 1995, the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) publishes a series of posters in support of that country’s accession to the European Union.

In 1994, the Communist Party of Austria (KPÖ) publishes a series of posters calling on Austrians to vote ‘No’ in the referendum, scheduled for 12 June 1994, on the country’s accession to the European Union.

On 6, 10 and 11 June 1994, the independent Action Committee, ‘Future of Austria’, publishes a series of inserts in the Vienna tabloid daily newspaper Neue Kronen Zeitung calling on Austrians to vote against the country’s accession to the European Union.

In 1994, the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB) publishes this poster in support of Austria’s accession to the European Union (EU).

In 1994, the Austrian Federal Government publishes this poster to mark the referendum on Austria’s accession to the European Union (EU).

In June 1994, the Vienna tabloid daily newspaper Neue Kronen Zeitung publishes an information campaign conducted by the Austrian Federal Government which calls on Austrian citizens to vote in favour of Austria’s accession to the European Union in the national referendum due to be held on 12 June 1994.

On 10 June 1994, the German weekly newspaper Die Zeit analyses the implications of the referendum due to be held on 12 June in Austria on the country’s accession to the European Union.

On 11 June 1994, on the eve of the referendum to be held in Austria on the country’s accession to the European Union, the Vienna-based daily newspaper Die Presse calls on the Austrian people to vote for accession.

On 11 June 1994, on the eve of the referendum on Austria’s accession to the European Union, the Vienna tabloid daily newspaper Neue Kronen Zeitung publishes a promotional insert from the Austrian delicatessen company Wein & Co which praises the positive effects that the country’s accession to the EU will have on the sale price of its wines.

On 12 June 1994, Austrians vote for their country’s accession to the European Union with a majority of 66,6% in favour. This table gives details of the results in the various regions of the country.

On 12 June 1994, in the National Council in Vienna, Franz Vranitzky, Austrian Federal Chancellor and leader of the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ), and Erhard Busek, Federal Vice-Chancellor and leader of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), welcome the victory of the ‘Yes’ vote in the Austrian referendum on accession to the European Union.

On 14 June 1994, the Vienna tabloid daily newspaper Neue Kronen Zeitung publishes an insert by Franz Vranitzky, Federal Chancellor and Leader of the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ), in which he welcomes the victory of the ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum on the country’s accession to the European Union.

In a press conference held on 12 June 1994, the Austrian Chancellor, Franz Vranitzky, welcomes the victory of the ‘Yes’ vote in the Austrian referendum on accession to the European Union.

On 24 June 1994, in Corfu, the representatives of the Twelve and those of Austria, Finland, Norway and Sweden sign their respective Treaties of Accession to the European Union.

On 24 June 1994, in Corfu, Franz Vranitzky, Federal Chancellor of Austria, and Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister, sign Austria’s Treaty of Accession to the European Union. In his address, Thomas Klestil, President of the Republic of Austria, refers to the time-honoured role played by his country in European politics.

On 24 June 1994, in Corfu, Franz Vranitzky, Chancellor of Austria, signs the Treaty of Accession of his country to the European Union. From left to right: Ulrich Stacher, Director-General of the Federal Chancellery (Prime Minister’s Office) in Vienna, Manfred Scheich, Permanent Representative of Austria to the European Union, Franz Vranitzky, Austrian Federal Chancellor, and Alois Mock, Austrian Foreign Minister.

On 25 June 1994, the day after the signing, in Corfu, of Austria’s Treaty of Accession to the European Union, the Vienna daily newspaper Die Presse calls for common sense when it comes to weighing up the future consequences of accession for Austrian national policy.

On 28 June 1994, Thomas Klestil, President of the Republic of Austria, delivers an address at the University of Zurich in which he expresses his views on the positive outcome of the referendum held on 12 June in Austria on the country’s accession to the European Union before considering the future of relations between Switzerland and Austria.

In this interview, Manfred Scheich, Head of the Austrian Foreign Ministry’s Department for Economic Policy and Integration and chief negotiator for the diplomatic negotiations on the country’s accession to the European Union from 1987 to 1995, interprets the results of the referendum held on 12 June 1994 in Austria on accession to the European Union.