Austria/Tirol

Austria stands at the crossroads of Europe, a bridge between West and East and a country whose identity is deeply bound to the continent's history. It joined the European Union in 1995, together with Finland and Sweden, anchoring its post-war neutrality within a shared European project.

Since accession, Austria has been a committed member of the eurozone and the Schengen area, contributing to the Union's economic stability and its open internal borders. A federal republic of nine Länder, from the Alpine valleys of Tyrol to the Danube and the historic capital Vienna, Austria embodies a strong tradition of regional self-government and local identity. Vienna, home to major international organisations, also reflects the country's vocation as a meeting point for dialogue across the continent.

In the European Parliament, Austria holds 20 seats (2024). Its delegation reflects a tradition of strong civic participation and a lively democratic debate on Europe's direction.

From the peaks of Tyrol to the banks of the Danube, Austria reflects a conviction dear to the European Democrats: that a Europe of strong communities and shared responsibility is a Europe closer to its citizens.