Thirty years ago, Austria became a valued member of the European Union. Since then, it has stood at the very heart of our Union. European integration has brought countless opportunities for Austria’s citizens and businesses. The EU’s Single Market has been a cornerstone of prosperity, creating jobs and fostering economic growth. At the same time, Austria has enriched the EU with its unique strengths. Since 1995, the European Union has made Austria stronger. And Austria has thrived thanks to EU membership. How Austria has changed the EU As a global leader in organic farming and green technologies, Austria drives sustainable innovation across the Union. As a strong advocate for the reunification of Europe, it has supported and facilitated the integration of the new Member States from central and eastern Europe. Austria’s beauty and culture, from its breathtaking landscapes to the world-famous New Year’s Concert in Vienna, continues to captivate Europe and the world. How EU membership has changed Austria Over 150,000Austrians have studied across the EU thanks to the Erasmus+ programme€35 billionEU funds to Austrian farmers under the Common Agricultural Programme (CAP)58%Increase in Austria’s real GDP since becoming an EU Member State More facts and figuresPeople living in Austria have experienced the benefits of greater economic growth in their lives, with Austrian employment growing by nearly 32% since 1995.Austria has formed an important part of the Single Market. Since joining the EU, the Austrian economy has benefitted from fewer trade barriers, greater competitiveness, additional support for companies, and increased exports. Boosting research capabilities in Member States is a key priority for the EU. In less than three decades, the Austrian research and innovation sector has received €5.2 billion in support from the EU. Success stories Investment in infrastructureTogether with the EU, Austria is contributing to the green transition by connecting the cities Graz and Klagenfurt with the new Koralm railway. This ambitious project, supported by €600 million in EU funding, is part of the Baltic-Adriatic corridor connecting the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea with Bologna and the Adriatic Sea in Italy. Expanding the reach of Austrian products across the EU Over the past 30 years, EU citizens have been able to enjoy more high-quality foods, drinks and agricultural products of Austrian origin. Today, 38 products from Austria, including Bergkäse (mountain cheese) from Vorarlberg and Speck (bacon) from Tirol, are featured on the EU’s list of products with protected designations of origin.To ensure high-quality products, 100,000 local farmers are supported each year in their crucial work. Austria has received around €35 billion in payments through the Common Agricultural Policy.More educational opportunities for young peopleOver the past 30 years, young Austrian citizens have gained more opportunities to study across the European Union. Since 1995, over 150,000 higher education students from Austria have participated in the Erasmus+ programme. Through Erasmus+, over 152,000 EU citizens have also enjoyed the opportunity to attend universities in Austria.Austrian solidarity in actionAustria has closely worked with other EU Member States to mobilise emergency relief through the Civil Protection Mechanism since its establishment in 2001. During the refugee crisis in 2016, for example, Austria supported Greece with the supply of essential sanitary and emergency shelter products.At the same time, Austria has received timely support from EU Member States during past emergencies, with Germany and Slovakia offering much-needed firefighting support following forest fires in Lower Austria in 2021. Support for Austrian businessesSustainable solutions are needed in every sector, including the construction industry. In Upper Austria, a local company is redefining sustainable construction practices. With funding from the EU, LOC-Holz is working on its mission to produce clean and climate-neutral timber construction while becoming a significant employer in the rural region. Related links Austria country profileEnlargement: how it works
Thirty years ago, Austria became a valued member of the European Union. Since then, it has stood at the very heart of our Union. European integration has brought countless opportunities for Austria’s citizens and businesses. The EU’s Single Market has been a cornerstone of prosperity, creating jobs and fostering economic growth. At the same time, Austria has enriched the EU with its unique strengths. Since 1995, the European Union has made Austria stronger. And Austria has thrived thanks to EU membership.
As a global leader in organic farming and green technologies, Austria drives sustainable innovation across the Union. As a strong advocate for the reunification of Europe, it has supported and facilitated the integration of the new Member States from central and eastern Europe. Austria’s beauty and culture, from its breathtaking landscapes to the world-famous New Year’s Concert in Vienna, continues to captivate Europe and the world.
