How far will the EU expand?

Austria's Stance on EU Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)

• This Question is related to one posted earlier with title: "UN Security Council Reform: Replacing France and the UK with the EU" (ID: 282055). What has Austria's stance been concerning further integration and deepening of EU institutions, especially as it relates to Common Foreign and Security Policy and the UN? To clarify, I am interested to know if Austria has supported (or desired) efforts to expand the EU's competency in areas of CFSP.

• Answer:

  Dear oneeu-ga: It was a pleasure to answer such an exciting question. What I will try here is provide a very breif overbiew of Austria's stance on CFSP and give links to such articles that will explain exactly the question that you have e.g. 'if Austria has supported (or desired) efforts to expand the EU's competency in areas of CFSP'? SUMMARY Austria has been very supportive of the CFSP and its development as a whole by the European Union. She is trying hard to implement the treaties of WEU (West European Union) in the framework of the CFSP. While Austria is a firm proponent of CFSP, it is rather reluctant to form military alliances such as NATO and does not want any type of future outside military presence in its land. In the wake of September 11 attacks, Austria has urged the CFSP European Council to take precautions of its policies towards Middle East as it has a large Muslim population. Recently, Austria's parliment passed a bill in Austrian senate to actively participate in the CFSP. Please review the following articles in order to better understand Austria's viewpoint: How Austria view CFSP (Please read cluase IV 'CFSP' of the article) http://europa.eu.int/en/agenda/igc-home/ms-doc/state-at/positn.html Austria in the European Union www.gm-unccd.org/FIELD/Bilaterals/Austria/ForPol.pdf (Please read 'The commomn foriegn and Security policy on Page 14) Austria's Role in New Europe - by Foriegn Minister of Austria (please read CFSP and Nuetrality) http://www.nato.int/docu/review/1995/9502-4.htm Austria and the European Union - Saying Good Bye to Nuetrality (Please read 'Accepting the CFSP') http://www.psa.ac.uk/cps/1995/phin.pdf Austria's Position in the World (Please read Austria's Position in European Security Policy) http://www.austriaemb.org.au/politics/position.htm Please use the follwing keywords for related articles: 'Austria AND CFSP' 'austria and EU foreign and security policy' Please clarify if you have any questions or you are not satisfied with the answer. I will be obliged to serve your needs. Sincerely, leader-ga.