‘Make the Krampus disappear! … "I'm not scared of you, so there!"' In December 1961, in response to the criticism from Moscow regarding the attempts to establish closer links between Austria and the European Economic Community (EEC), the Vienna-based daily newspaper Arbeiter-Zeitung refers to the legend of St Nicolas and the ‘Krampus' — a hideous character dressed in an animal skin and armed with a whip and little bells to frighten children — in order to illustrate Austria's attitude to Moscow.

On 12 December 1961, Bruno Kreisky, Austrian Foreign Minister, sends a letter to Ludwig Erhard, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), German Minister for the Economy and President-in-Office of the Council of the European Economic Community (EEC), in which he formally requests the opening of negotiations with a view to the conclusion of an Association Agreement with the EEC, whilst respecting Austria’s principle of neutrality.

On 21 December 1961, Ludwig Erhard, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), German Minister for Economic Affairs and President-in-Office of the Council of the European Economic Community (EEC), acknowledges receipt of Austria’s formal request for negotiations to be opened with a view to the conclusion of a trade agreement with the Six.

On 1 March 1962, the French daily newspaper Le Monde analyses Austria’s application for association with the European Economic Community (EEC) and refers to the political and legal position of the country in Europe.

On 4 May 1962, in a circular telegram issued prior to the address to be delivered by Bruno Kreisky to the EEC Council of Ministers on 28 July, the US Department of State sets out its opposition to the association of Austria with the European Economic Community (EEC).

‘EEC— a closed community: Softly goes our song’s entreaty.’ In 1962, the Austrian cartoonist, Ironimus, illustrates the gradual movement of some member countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) — Austria, Sweden and Switzerland — towards the European Economic Community (EEC).

On 28 July 1962, Bruno Kreisky, Austrian Foreign Minister, presents to the Council of the European Economic Community (EEC) a portrait of Austrian industry and identifies the aspects that should be taken into account with a view to a future Association Agreement between Austria and the EEC.

‘In the Brussels labyrinth: "Now then, let's make sure that we don't we get lost and that we remember the way out!"' On 29 July 1962, the day after the address given by Bruno Kreisky, Austrian Foreign Minister, to the Council of the European Economic Community (EEC), the Vienna-based daily newspaper Arbeiter-Zeitung portrays the obstacles impeding the future Association Agreement between Austria, Sweden and Switzerland and the EEC.