Country Data Austria
Austria is a Central European country with Vienna as its capital and German as its official language within the European Union. It has been a member of the EU since 1 January 1995 and forms part of both the euro area, having adopted the euro in 1999, and the Schengen area, which it joined in 1997. Key national indicators include its geographic size, population, and GDP per capita measured in purchasing power standards, which together reflect Austria’s economic position within the EU.
Politically, Austria is organised as a federal parliamentary republic. Executive authority is shared between the chancellor, who serves as head of government, and the president, who acts as head of state. The country is made up of nine federal states (Bundesländer), each of which holds certain executive responsibilities alongside the federal government. Legislative power at the federal level rests with a bicameral parliament consisting of the Nationalrat, whose members are directly elected, and the Bundesrat, whose members are appointed by the regional parliaments.
Austria’s economy is diversified, with industry playing a central role. In 2020, industrial activities accounted for just over one fifth of economic output, followed closely by wholesale and retail trade, transport, tourism-related services, and food services. Public administration, defence, education, healthcare, and social services also represented a significant share of economic activity. Trade is strongly oriented toward the European Union: the majority of Austrian exports are destined for EU partners, particularly Germany, Italy, and France. Outside the EU, the United States and Switzerland are the most important export markets. Imports show a similar pattern, with most goods sourced from EU member states, especially Germany, while Switzerland and China are the main non-EU suppliers.
Within the European Union’s institutional framework, Austria is represented by 18 members in the European Parliament and hosts a European Parliament office in the country. Austrian government officials participate in the Council of the EU, contributing to the adoption of EU legislation and the coordination of policy across different areas. Austria has also held the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU on three occasions: in the second half of 1998, the first half of 2006, and the second half of 2018.
At the level of the European Commission, Austria is represented by a nominated Commissioner, Johannes Hahn, who is responsible for Budget and Administration, and the Commission maintains an official representation in Austria. The country also plays an active role in advisory bodies: it has 12 members each on the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions, ensuring that social, economic, and regional interests are reflected in EU policymaking. Austria’s permanent representation in Brussels serves as the main channel for ongoing communication with EU institutions, safeguarding national interests and supporting policy coordination. EU funding in Austria is financed through the country’s contributions to the EU budget and supports a wide range of projects and initiatives across different sectors.
