On 4 January 1953, the Austrian daily newspaper Die Presse analyses the nature of trade between Austria and the Member States of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in the coal and steel industries.
On 20 January 1953, Maurice Lagrange, Advocate General at the Court of Justice of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), considers the issue of admitting Austrian observers to the Community institutions.
On 22 April 1953, Karl Gruber, Austrian Foreign Minister, officially informs Jean Monnet, President of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), of the Austrian Government’s decision to appoint an Austrian Permanent Delegation, led by Carl Bobleter, to the High Authority in Luxembourg.
On 19 May 1953, in Luxembourg, Jean Monnet, President of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), welcomes the members of the Austrian Delegation to the High Authority and welcomes the rapprochement between Vienna and the ECSC Member States.
On 19 May 1953, in Luxembourg, Carl Bobleter, Embassy Counsellor and Head of the Austrian Delegation to the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), outlines the nature of the economic relations between Austria and the Six.
On 30 December 1955, L. Giretti, senior official at the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), gives a progress report on the economic and tariff negotiations between the ECSC and Austria.
On 4 April 1957, the Austrian Socialist daily newspaper Arbeiter-Zeitung outlines the reasons why Austria cannot accede to the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).
On 5 June 1959, in an internal memorandum, Tony Rollman, Director of the Steel Division of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), having recently returned from a business trip to Austria, outlines the position of the Austrian steel industry with a view to the conclusion of an Association Agreement between Austria and the ECSC.
On 16 June 1959, the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) outlines the position of the Austrian iron and steel industry with a view to the conclusion of an association agreement between Austria and the ECSC.
On 1 June 1966, on the margins of the association negotiations held in Brussels between the European Economic Community (EEC) and Austria, the Secretary-General of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) analyses the specific problems posed by the possible association of Austria with the ECSC.
On 15 December 1966, Fritz Bock, Austrian Vice-Chancellor, forwards to the President-in-Office of the Special Council of Ministers of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) a letter in which he indicates his wish to secure a comprehensive agreement on the association of Austria with the ECSC and with the European Economic Community (EEC).
On 15 December 1966, the Austrian Embassy to Luxembourg forwards to the Luxembourg Foreign Ministry a note in which it sets out the Austrian Foreign Ministry’s willingness to regulate the mutual relations between Austria and the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).
The Agreement between Austria and the ECSC (8 May 1956)
On 19 January 1956, at the Tariff Conference held in Geneva as part of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) negotiations, Wilfried Platzer, Austrian Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, discusses the position and the role of Austria.
On 24 February 1956, during the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) Conference in Geneva, an internal memorandum from the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) outlines the various offers made by Austria and the High Authority regarding the reduction of customs duties on special steels.
On 8 May 1956, at the end of the Geneva Tariff Conference, Austria and the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) sign two agreements: a Memorandum of Understanding on an anti-dumping clause on trade in steel not covered by the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and a tariff agreement on the reduction of customs duties under GATT.
On 8 May 1956, at the end of the Geneva Tariff Conference, Austria and the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) sign two agreements: a Memorandum of Understanding on an anti-dumping clause on steel trade not covered by the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and a tariff agreement on the reduction of customs duties under GATT.
On 8 May 1956, at the end of the Geneva Tariff Conference, Austria and the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) sign two agreements: a protocol on an anti-dumping clause on trade in steel outside the framework of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and a tariff agreement on the reduction of customs duties under the GATT.
On 8 May 1956, at the end of the Geneva Tariff Conference, Austria and the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) sign two agreements: a protocol on an anti-dumping clause on trade in steel outside the framework of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and a tariff agreement on the reduction of customs duties under the GATT.
On 8 May 1956, following the agreement between Austria and the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) signed at the Geneva Tariff Conference, an exchange of letters between Heinz Standenat, Head of the Austrian Delegation, and Jean Poincaré, Representative of the High Authority, sets out the Austrian Government’s concerns about some of the provisions of the Tariff Agreement.
On 17 May 1956, as part of the Geneva tariff negotiations, L. Giretti, senior official at the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), outlines the main provisions of the agreement between Austria and the High Authority.
On 11 March 1960, the Austrian Foreign Ministry forwards to Étienne Hirsch, President of the Commission of the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC or Euratom), a letter in which he informs him of its decision to establish, in Brussels, a Diplomatic Mission to Euratom and to appoint Ernst Lemberger as Head of Mission.
On 8 April 1960, the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC or Euratom) informs the press of the establishment, in Brussels, of an Austrian Diplomatic Mission to Euratom, headed by Ernst Lemberger.
On 11 October 1965, an information note drawn up by the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC or Euratom) and the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) outlines the energy situation in Austria.
Application for association with the EEC (12 December 1961)
‘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.
Application for association with the EEC (12 December 1961)
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.
‘Brawl in Brussels.’ On 19 January 1963, the Austrian cartoonist, Ironimus, speculates on the advisability of the association of Austria with the European Economic Community (EEC), given the difficulties which the EEC is facing.
On 23 January 1963, the German magazine Der Spiegel publishes an interview with the Austrian Vice-Chancellor, Bruno Pittermann, in which Mr Pittermann discusses the links between Austria and the European Economic Community (EEC).
In May 1963, Bruno Kreisky, Austrian Foreign Minister, strongly defends his policy on European integration and outlines the diplomatic efforts made by Austria in order to come to an agreement on that country’s association with the European Economic Community (EEC).
On 12 July 1963, following exploratory talks between representatives of the Austrian Government and representatives of the Commission of the European Economic Community (EEC), Jacques Bouiller, official in the Secretariat-General in the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), outlines the attitude of both parties towards the possible association of Austria with the European Common Market.
On 25 September 1963, following the exploratory talks between representatives of the Austrian Government and representatives of the Commission of the European Economic Community (EEC), Jacques Bouiller, official in the External Relations Directorate of the Secretariat-General of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), forwards to Charles Reichling, Director of External Relations in the Secretariat-General, an internal memorandum in which he outlines Austria’s cautious attitude towards a possible association with the Common Market.
Poster published in 1964 by the Communist Party of Austria (KPÖ) portraying the dangers posed to Austrian agriculture by the possible association of that country with the European Economic Community (EEC).
Austria goes solo: the first phase of the negotiations (19.3.1965–4.2.1966)
On 2 March 1965, with a view to the forthcoming opening of negotiations between the Commission of the European Economic Community (EEC) and Austria, Bruno Kreisky, Austrian Foreign Minister, and Fritz Bock, Austrian Trade Minister, emphasise the importance of respect for the country’s neutral status.
On 19 March 1965, at the opening, in Brussels, of the negotiations on the future of economic relations between Austria and the European Economic Community (EEC), Fritz Bock, Austrian Minister for Trade, sets out the Austrian Government’s position.
On 19 March 1965, at the opening, in Brussels, of the negotiations on the future of economic relations between Austria and the European Economic Community (EEC), Jean Rey, President of the European Commission, outlines the nature of the talks.
On 17 May 1965, as negotiations are held in Brussels between the Commission of the European Economic Community (EEC) and Austria on the removal of obstacles to trade and on the attempts at harmonisation in order to avoid distortions of competition, Karl Schleinzer, Austrian Minister for Agriculture, outlines the situation of the Austrian agricultural industry as it faces up to the challenges of Europe.
In April 1965, the Revue du Marché Commun outlines the implications of the negotiations which were opened in Brussels on 19 March 1965 between the Commission of the European Economic Community (EEC) and Austria in order to find an agreement on the removal of obstacles to trade and on the policy harmonisation needed to avoid distortions of competition.
On 24 March 1966, Charles Reichling, Director of External Relations in the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), and Edmund Wellenstein, Secretary-General of the High Authority, give a summary of the six rounds of negotiations on the association of Austria with the European Economic Community (EEC) and on the problems posed by the possible association of Austria with the ECSC.
On 7 April 1966, the Austrian Embassy in Luxembourg forwards to the Luxembourg Foreign Ministry a note in which it emphasises the importance of rapprochement between Austria and the European Economic Community (EEC).
‘Waiting for the right connection.’ In 1966, the German cartoonist, Fritz Behrendt, portrays the Soviet Union’s opposition to any form of rapprochement between Austria and the European Economic Community (EEC).
Austria goes solo: the second phase of the negotiations (13.12.1966–2.2.1967)
On 16 December 1966, the European Commission and the Austrian Delegation publish a joint press release following the first round of a new phase of trade and tariff negotiations, held in Brussels, between Austria and the European Economic Community (EEC).
On 18 January 1967, Bruno Kreisky, a Socialist and former Austrian Foreign Minister, criticises the European policy of the new government headed by Josef Klaus, leader of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP).
On 18 January 1967, Fritz Bock, Austrian Minister for Trade and Industry, defends before the National Council the European policy of the government headed by Josef Klaus, leader of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), against the criticisms levelled by the Social Democrat, Bruno Kreisky.
List of the members of the Austrian Delegation to the round of negotiations held with the European Economic Community from 30 January to 3 February 1967.
Austria goes solo: the second phase of the negotiations (13.12.1966–2.2.1967)
In February 1967, as negotiations are held between the Commission of the European Economic Community (EEC) and Austria, the Austrian Delegation in Brussels outlines the manner in which it envisages the harmonisation of agricultural policies.
‘I tell you again — new suit not good for you!’ In 1967, the Swiss cartoonist, Hans Geisen, portrays Moscow’s opposition to the possible accession of Austria to the European Economic Community (EEC).
On 13 March 1967, the Brussels daily newspaper La Libre Belgique considers the implications of the negotiations on the association of Austria with the European Economic Community (EEC), emphasising the political difficulties arising from the 1955 Austrian State Treaty and the consequences of an agreement for industry and agriculture.
On 21 December 1969, in its coverage of the meetings between the Austrian Delegations and the representatives of the European Communities, the Austrian Socialist daily newspaper Arbeiter-Zeitung considers the implications of the establishment of closer links between Austria and the European Economic Community (EEC).
‘The busker.’ On 2 July 1970, against the background of the first enlargement of the European Communities, the Austrian cartoonist, Ironimus, emphasises the vain efforts of Austria to secure acceptance at the negotiating table in Brussels.
The signing of the free trade agreements of 22 July 1972
In February 1972, in an article for the magazine Berichte und Informationen, Fritz Bock, former Austrian Vice-Chancellor, outlines the special position of Austria arising from its participation in EFTA and its efforts to secure accession to the European Communities. It deplores, in particular, the fact that Austria did not accept the bilateral interim agreement with the European Economic Community (EEC) and that the country must now try to reach an overall agreement, along with the other two neutral countries, Sweden and Switzerland, with the EEC.
‘Can you hear my secret calling?’ On 26 February 1972, the Austrian cartoonist, Ironimus, portrays the efforts made by the Austrian Chancellor, Bruno Kreisky, to negotiate a trade agreement between Austria and the European Economic Community (EEC).
On 22 July 1972, in Brussels, the representatives of the Member States of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and those of the Republic of Austria sign an agreement which provides, in particular, for a dismantling of tariffs for coal and steel products identical to that provided for industrial products in the Treaties of Accession to the European Communities of Denmark, Ireland, Norway and the United Kingdom.
On 22 July 1972, in Brussels, the European Economic Community (EEC) and Austria sign an agreement which concerns, in particular, the development of their economic relations on the basis of the gradual removal of obstacles to trade.
On 22 July 1972, the Austrian cinema newsreel reports on the signing, the same day at the Egmont Palace in Brussels, of the free trade agreements between Austria and the European Economic Community (EEC) by Bruno Kreisky, Austrian Federal Chancellor, and Josef Staribacher, Austrian Trade Minister.
On 23 July 1972, the Vienna-based Socialist daily newspaper Arbeiter-Zeitung leads with the signing, the previous day, in Brussels, of the Free Trade Agreement between Austria and the European Economic Community (EEC).
On 23 July 1972, the Vienna-based daily newspaper Arbeiter-Zeitung welcomes the signing, the previous day, in Brussels, of the Free Trade Agreement between Austria and the European Economic Community (EEC) but deplores the fact that economic reality is gradually taking the place of the pacifist ideals of a united Europe.
On 25 July 1972, three days after the signing, in Brussels, of the tariff agreements between Austria and the Member States of the European Communities, the Austrian Chancellor, Bruno Kreisky, outlines to the National Council the long road travelled by the country on the way towards European integration.
On 25 July 1972, three days after the signing, in Brussels, of the tariff agreements between Austria and the Member States of the European Communities, Josef Staribacher, Austrian Minister for Trade and Industry, emphasises to the National Council the economic advantages of these agreements for Austria.
On 28 July 1972, commenting on the signing, on 22 July, in Brussels, of the Association Agreement between Austria and the European Economic Community (EEC), Fritz Bock, former Austrian Trade Minister, gives an account of the diplomatic results secured by his country over the last 16 years since the signing of the Austrian State Treaty in May 1955.
‘The quantum leap: “My, it’s hot! ... Just need to jump in ... (Keep Off) Oh, dear … full membership is no good … (Keep Off) … Association is no good either … but the Free Trade Area is okay … now all I hope is … that I can swim!”’ On 23 July 1972, following the signing of the Free Trade Agreements between Austria and the European Economic Community (EEC), the Austrian Socialist daily newspaper Arbeiter-Zeitung portrays the long road travelled by the country with a view to its possible accession to the European Communities.
On 3 September 1972, two months after the signing of the Free Trade Agreements between Austria and the European Economic Community (EEC), the Austrian Chancellor, Bruno Kreisky, outlines the special position occupied by Austria as regards European integration and gives his impressions of the role and responsibilities of Community Europe in the world.
Poster published in September 1972 by the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) to promote the benefits of the free trade agreements between Austria and the European Economic Community signed in Brussels on 22 July 1972.
Austria and the EC following the signing of the free trade agreements
In June 1978, in an article for the monthly publication EFTA Bulletin, Paul Steiger, Head of Division at the Austrian Ministry of Trade and Industry, considers the nature of the economic and trade relations, whether bilateral or established through the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), between Austria and the European Economic Community (EEC).
In November 1979, in an article for the monthly publication EFTA Bulletin, Gerhard Pschor, member of the Federation of Austrian Industrialists (VÖI), provides a statistical assessment of trade relations between Austria and the nine Member States of the European Economic Community (EEC) since the signing, in July 1972, of the Free Trade Agreements.
In 1982, in an article for the EFTA Bulletin, Peter Pobinger and Wolfgang Vanovsek, respectively the Head and a member of the Economic Coordination and Planning Department of the Austrian steel company, Voestalpine, outline the nature of the increasingly close integration of the Austrian steel industry into the European economy.
In 1973, as local elections are held in Austria, the Austrian European Federalist Party (EFP) publishes a poster illustrating its commitment to the establishment of a United States of Europe.
In 1980, Alois Mock, Leader of Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), outlines the tasks of the European Democratic Union (EDU) in the field of European policy.