Tagged: Austria

According to Petsinclude, Austria is a federal parliamentary republic, which is divided into nine states. The government consists of the Federal President, the Federal Government, and the National Council. The President serves a six-year term and is elected by direct popular vote. The Federal Government is headed by the Chancellor, who is appointed by the President and approved by Parliament. The Chancellor appoints other ministers to form a cabinet of ministers who are responsible for carrying out government policies. The National Council, or Bundesrat in German, is composed of 183 members who are elected from each state every five years through proportional representation. This body has legislative power over matters that affect all of Austria such as foreign policy and defense. It also has some control over taxation and public expenditure although it does not have the power to initiate legislation in those areas. The Constitution of Austria guarantees fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, press, assembly and association as well as protecting religious freedom and equality before law regardless of gender or race. In addition to its federal system there are also several local self-governing bodies in each state which have their own laws governing local matters such as education, health care, housing and transport. Austria is a small, landlocked country in the heart of Europe, bordered by Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary and the Czech Republic. It has long been a major hub of international business and trade and is home to many important international organizations such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Austria’s foreign policy is focused on maintaining peace and stability in Europe through multilateral institutions such as the European Union (EU), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and NATO. Austria’s relations with its neighbors are generally good. It has strong relationships with Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Slovenia and Hungary which are based on mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty. The Austrian government also maintains good relations with its eastern neighbors – notably Slovakia – through bilateral agreements on trade and security cooperation. Austria is also a member of the Visegrád Group which seeks to promote regional integration among Central European countries. Austria has close ties with Russia which have been strengthened by recent energy agreements between both countries. Additionally, it plays an active role in promoting regional stability by engaging with Russia in multiple multilateral forums such as the OSCE Minsk Group which works to resolve conflicts in Eastern Europe. On an international level Austria is an active participant in many global organizations including the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), World Bank Group (WBG) and International Monetary Fund (IMF). It is also a party to several key treaties such as the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT). In addition to this Austria actively participates in various forums such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Commonwealth of Nations. Overall, Austria’s foreign policy seeks to promote peace & stability within Europe while maintaining strong ties with its eastern & western neighbors alike. It also strives to build bridges between different cultures & religions around the world through diplomacy & dialogue whilst engaging constructively on global issues related to trade & investment flows into Austria whilst promoting regional integration & global cooperation initiatives that benefit all parties involved. See relationshipsplus for Austria defense and foreign policy.