Podcast Summary: LSE Public Lectures and Events

Episode: 1989 and EU-enlargement: Austria's Role in European Politics
Date: November 29, 2011
Speaker: Dr. Heinz Fischer, President of Austria
Host: George Gaskell, LSE Pro-Director
Format: Lecture (25 mins) + Q&A (approx. 40 mins)

Overview

This episode features a lecture by Dr. Heinz Fischer, President of Austria, discussing Austria's pivotal role in Europe following the events of 1989, the end of the Cold War, and the enlargement of the European Union. Dr. Fischer reflects on the historical changes of that period, Austria's path to EU membership, the consequences for European integration, and answers audience questions on contemporary and future European challenges. The episode is characterized by Dr. Fischer’s thoughtful, candid tone, blending personal anecdotes with broader political insights.

Key Themes & Insights

1. The Significance of 1989 ([01:39]-[15:00])

• 1989 as a Pivotal Year:
  • Marked the end of the division of Europe, the collapse of the Iron Curtain, and the fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe.
• Austria’s Unique Position:
  • As a neutral country bordering the Eastern bloc, Austria served as a bridge between East and West, facilitating dialogue and peace efforts (e.g., hosting the Kennedy-Khrushchev summit in 1961).
• Profound Personal and Political Change:
  • Dr. Fischer recounts personal involvement with leaders and dissidents from neighboring countries, underlining the emotional and symbolic moments of the Iron Curtain falling.
• “I will never forget the moving and highly symbolic moment when the Austrian Foreign Minister Alois Mock, and the Hungarian Foreign Minister of these days, Kyula Horn… cut the barbed wire fence between our two countries with a metal scissor near Sopron in June 89.” (Dr. Fischer, [07:53])

2. Austria’s Journey to EU Membership ([15:00]-[22:00])

• Motivation for Integration:
  • For Austria, EU membership meant "peace, stability, security and influence in decision-making through shared sovereignty."
• Constraints Prior to 1989:
  • Neutral countries, including Austria, could not join the European Community during the Cold War due to geopolitical constraints.
• The Impact of 1989:
  • The political shift allowed Austria, along with Sweden and Finland, to apply for EU membership in July 1989, eventually joining in 1995 after a popular referendum (“66% yes”).
• Distinct Austrian Perspective:
  • Austria’s continental location and multi-ethnic history contrasted with Britain’s maritime focus, affecting national attitudes towards European integration.
• “Arguments in favor of joining, especially political and economic ones, became more important... We have joined the European Union after a referendum: 66% yes and 34% no as a neutral country.” (Dr. Fischer, [19:45])

3. The Broader EU Enlargement and Its Consequences ([22:00]-[30:00])

• Enlargement as a European Imperative:

  • The EU accepted the responsibility to offer “enlargement perspective” to former Soviet-bloc countries, setting in motion the largest EU expansion in history (1990-2007).

• Austria as a Beneficiary:

  • Austria benefited materially and immaterially, moving from Western periphery to a central player within a united Europe; its economic ties to neighbors expanded rapidly.

• Ongoing Process:

  • Enlargement is not concluded; Balkan countries and others like Turkey continue to seek pathways to membership, though challenges remain regarding both applicant and EU capacity.

• “[Austria] is a strong supporter for the new European initiative for the Danube region. The European Union, and in particular, the Eurozone, are facing... a period of economic and financial instability... but the idea of European integration... will remain.” (Dr. Fischer, [28:30])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The desire to be firmly anchored in this Western part of the world and to play an active role in the growing network of European institutions brought Austria at a very early stage into the Council of Europe…” (Dr. Fischer, [09:05])
• “Today, Slovenia, for instance, a country with about 2 million inhabitants, imports more Austrian products than Russia or China.” (Dr. Fischer, [25:27])
• “In my opinion, it is a better future than isolation, nationalism, etc... But this is a question which hits a very sensitive point in our political feelings.” (Dr. Fischer, [66:47])

Q&A Highlights & Audience Concerns (Selected Timestamps & Themes)

The Leverage of EU Enlargement and Nationalism ([31:04]-[42:30])

• Q: Has the Eurozone crisis reduced the EU’s leverage for reform in candidate countries?

  • A: “This attraction is somehow reduced... but [gaining] a seat at the table with Germany and France is still attractive enough...” (Dr. Fischer, [33:00])

• Q: Can nationalism, a barrier to integration, be overcome?

  • A: Detailed historical context of Austria, the persistence and risk of nationalism, plus the “pendulum” shift after WWII and potential resurgence today: “...it is a growing problem... but I don't think that democracy is in danger in a way, as it was in the 30s.” (Dr. Fischer, [41:43])

Austria’s Disappointments and State of Neutrality ([42:41]-[52:19])

• Q: Greatest disappointment in rebuilding relations with Central and Eastern Europe since 1990?

  • A: “I’m critical… vis-à-vis Hungary. What impression does it make if you have a Constitutional Court… and you increase the number of judges, handpicked from government…? One third of the judges immediately replaced by the government.” (Dr. Fischer, [45:03])

• Q: Compatibility of Austrian neutrality with EU membership?

  • A: Austria remains neutral militarily but fulfills EU obligations, including participating in peacekeeping operations; “We accept our duties, we fulfill our duties...” (Dr. Fischer, [48:14])

• Q: If China were to undergo a similar transition as Eastern Europe in 1989?

  • A: Emphasizes plurality in global systems, the importance of human rights, and the need for peaceful coexistence. ([50:30])

Solidarity, Recognition, and Domestic EU Skepticism ([52:23]-[66:47])

• Q: On Austria’s EU solidarity, especially regarding legal cooperation and Baltic war criminals.

  • A: Dr. Fischer explained the legal complexities and diplomatic steps taken, defending Austria’s overall record of solidarity. ([55:20])

• Q: Austria’s recognition of the Palestinian Authority.

  • A: Justification grounded in supporting peace initiatives, with Austria maintaining balanced relationships with both Israel and Palestine. ([59:30])

• Q: Why is Austrian public support for the EU low, despite clear benefits?

  • A: “Approval of the Austrian people... is indeed declining... many are anxious, afraid to lose some possibilities... believe that migration is a consequence of the EU... European Union is not popular in Central Europe at the moment, and we have to see it and we have to fight against it...” (Dr. Fischer, [66:47])

Structure & Flow

• Opening: Warm welcome; reference to Austrian intellectuals affiliated with LSE (Popper and Hayek).
• Lecture Proper: Narrative moves from Austria pre-1989, through the historic events of 1989, to the repercussions and Austria’s integration into the EU.
• Q&A: Wide-ranging, frank, and delivered in an engaging, conversational manner.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:39] – Dr. Fischer begins lecture; historical context, Austria’s neutrality, Cold War role.
• [07:53] – Personal anecdotes; friends across the Iron Curtain; symbolic moments of 1989.
• [15:00] – Austria’s path to EU membership; distinction between EFTA and EU.
• [25:27] – Economic benefits: export growth to Central and Eastern European countries.
• [31:04] – Q&A session: enlargement, nationalism, integration challenges.
• [45:03] – Reflections on disappointments, Hungary’s recent political changes.
• [48:14] – Austria’s neutrality and EU obligations.
• [66:47] – Austrian EU skepticism and public attitudes.

Takeaways

• The fall of the Iron Curtain was both a challenge and an opportunity for Austria.
• Austria’s geographical and historical context shaped its strong commitment to European integration.
• The enlargement of the EU has boosted Austria economically, politically, and in its international standing.
• Persistent challenges remain: populist nationalism, fluctuating public support, and adapting to the evolving role of regional and global actors.

Memorable closing:
“In my opinion, [the EU] is still the best answer to the challenges for Europe in a time when the world population reached 7 billion human beings and only 8% of them are Europeans, 0.9% are British, and only a little bit more than 0.1% are Austrians.” (Dr. Fischer, [29:45])

For those seeking a thoughtful, historical, and contemporary perspective on Austria and EU enlargement, Dr. Fischer’s address captures both the spirit of European unity and the complex realities undergirding it.