The Austrian State Treaty in 1955 granted Austria full independence on the condition of permanent neutrality, which it enshrined in its constitution. During the Cold War, Austria maintained its neutrality while benefitting from economic recovery initiatives like the Marshall Plan, gradually becoming a stable and prosperous democratic state.
In 1995, Austria joined the European Union, integrating more closely with Western Europe and adopting the euro in 1999. The country experienced occasional political turbulence, marked by coalition governments and the growing influence of right-wing populist parties. Despite political shifts, Austria continued to evolve economically and socially, balancing its neutrality with increasing engagement in European and global affairs.
In recent years, Austria faced internal challenges related to political scandals and changes in leadership, navigating these shifts while remaining a stable, neutral player within the EU. This period reflects Austria’s resilience and adaptability within a modern, interconnected Europe.