№162: Austria in Central Europe: The Aspiration to Become a Bridge-Builder
№162: Austria in Central Europe: The Aspiration to Become a Bridge-Builder

Author(s): Łukasz Ogrodnik
Subject(s): Governance, Economic policy, International relations/trade, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Geopolitics, Transport / Logistics
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: Austria; Central Europe; European Union; government; regional cooperation; development of transport infrastructure; European integration of Western Balkans;
Summary/Abstract: Austria’s government has declared it will be a bridge-builder in the European Union between its western and eastern members. This is in fact rather more an endorsement of the Union cohesion on the eve of Austria’s presidency of the EU Council than a genuine offer to represent the Visegrad states’ interests in the EU. Vienna is also trying to strengthen its position in Central Europe using regional cooperation initiatives such as the Slavkov Triangle, Three Seas Initiative, and the V4+ format. However, Austria’s pro-Russia stances and economic conflicts of interest have burdened relations with regional partners. Common goals remain limited but include the development of transport infrastructure, an endorsement of the European integration of the Western Balkans and strengthening the EU’s external borders.

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