The presentation deals first with the historical background to Austria’s foreign policy, in particular its “neutrality” status. It then analyzes public opinion in Austria towards neutrality and concerning the EU in general.
The position of Austria in the EU and its (potential) partners are explored with the help of empirical data. A few remarks explain the legal position of Austria in relation to participation in the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).
Finally, the place of Austria in the EU’s CFSP is extensively analyzed with the help of the EU countries’ voting behavior in the General Assembly of the United Nations.
Paul Luif has a doctorate in law and is “Dozent” in political science. He was assistant professor for international relations at Salzburg University, 1974–1980, and has been member of the scientific staff of the Austrian Institute for International Affairs, Vienna, since 1980. He is also lecturer at the University of Vienna. His main topics of research are the European Union (in particular the Common Foreign and Security Policy as well as Justice and Home Affairs) and the foreign policies of small states.