Foreign relations Austria

the european parliament: austria 1 of 28 eu members.

the 1955 austrian state treaty ended occupation of austria following world war ii , recognised austria independent , sovereign state. on 26 october 1955, federal assembly passed constitutional article in austria declares of own free perpetual neutrality . second section of law stated in future times austria not join military alliances , not permit establishment of foreign military bases on territory . since then, austria has shaped foreign policy on basis of neutrality, rather different neutrality of switzerland.

austria began reassess definition of neutrality following fall of soviet union, granting overflight rights un-sanctioned action against iraq in 1991, , since 1995, has developed participation in eu s common foreign , security policy. in 1995, joined nato s partnership peace , subsequently participated in peacekeeping missions in bosnia. meanwhile, part of constitutional law on neutrality of 1955 still valid not allow foreign military bases in austria.

austria attaches great importance participation in organisation economic co-operation , development , other international economic organisations, , has played active role in organization security , cooperation in europe (osce). osce-participating state, austria s international commitments subject monitoring under mandate of u.s. helsinki commission.