Contemporary era Austria

the united nations office in vienna 1 of 4 major un office sites worldwide.

much germany, austria divided american, british, french, , soviet zones , governed allied commission austria. forecast in moscow declaration in 1943, subtle difference seen in treatment of austria allies. austrian government, consisting of social democrats, conservatives, , communists (until 1947), , residing in vienna, surrounded soviet zone, recognised western allies in october 1945 after doubts renner stalin s puppet. thus, creation of separate western austrian government , division of country avoidable. austria, in general, treated though had been invaded germany , liberated allies.

on 15 may 1955, after talks lasted years , influenced cold war, austria regained full independence concluding austrian state treaty 4 occupying powers. on 26 october 1955, after occupation troops had left, austria declared permanent neutrality act of parliament.

austria joined european union in 1995 , signed lisbon treaty in 2007.

the political system of second republic based on constitution of 1920 , 1929, reintroduced in 1945. system came characterised proporz, meaning posts of political importance split evenly between members of social democratic party of austria (spÖ) , austrian people s party (Övp). interest group chambers mandatory membership (e.g. workers, business people, farmers) grew considerable importance , consulted in legislative process, hardly legislation passed did not reflect widespread consensus.

since 1945, governing via single-party government has occurred twice: 1966–1970 (Övp) , 1970–1983 (spÖ). during other legislative periods, either grand coalition of spÖ , Övp or small coalition (one of these 2 , smaller party) ruled country.

kurt waldheim, sa officer in second world war accused of war crimes, elected president of austria 1986 1992.

following referendum in 1994, @ consent reached majority of two-thirds, country became member of european union on 1 january 1995.

the major parties spÖ , Övp have contrary opinions future status of austria s military nonalignment: while spÖ in public supports neutral role, Övp argues stronger integration eu s security policy; future nato membership not ruled out Övp politicians (ex. dr werner fasslabend (ovp) in 1997). in reality, austria taking part in eu s common foreign , security policy, participates in peacekeeping , peace creating tasks, , has become member of nato s partnership peace ; constitution has been amended accordingly. since liechtenstein joined schengen area in 2011, none of austria s neighbouring countries performs border controls towards anymore.