Europa-Forum: Pro and Contra for the EU accession in Lower Austria!

Europa-Forum: Pro and Contra for the EU accession in Lower Austria!

On June 17, 2025, the Europa-Forum Wachau took place, where everything revolved around European cooperation. Top -class guests such as Chancellor Christian Stocker as well as the heads of government Rossen Jeliazkov from Bulgaria and Dorin Recean from Moldau were present. On the occasion of this meeting, the 25th anniversary of the referendum on the EU accession of Austria will be reminded, which took place on June 12, 1994. At that time, 66.6% of the voters voted for accession to the European Union, in Lower Austria it was even 67.9%.

When the vote took place in 1994, the turnout was 81.27%. The voters were asked: "Should the National Council's decision of 5, 1994 to gain legal strength on the accession of Austria to the European Union?" The clear approval for EU membership was a turning point in Austrian foreign policy, which was shaped by concerns about neutrality for a long time. [Federal Chancellery] reports that the accession negotiations began in 1993 and led to the contract in April 1994 with the conclusion of the talks. On January 1, 1995, Austria officially joined the EU and thereby increased the number of member states from 12 to 15.

today's opinion landscape

Current surveys show that around 72% of Lower Austrians support the EU course, while 21% are against it. Approval is 71%, especially among the under 30 year olds. 56% of the respondents believe that the accession of Austria has brought advantages to the EU. These are encouraging numbers that show that the European idea is still widespread. However, it is also interesting to observe that direct influence on people from politics to the public remains.

The surveys also show: 66% of young people see the EU accession as an advantage. This could indicate that the upcoming generation has a positive, future -oriented view of Europe, while older generations are often partially skeptical. A good knack for the upcoming challenges is required while the political discussion in the country is intensifying.

flood protection and challenges

the memory of the flood damage in September 2022 in the minds of people is haunted. In Tullnerfeld, many families could not yet return to their damaged houses. Long -term flood protection measures are the focus of the political agenda. Mayor Bernhard Heinl reports of insomnia in view of the recurring flood risk. The newly built protection held in the last flood alarms. It is planned to wash through the sewer systems and to equip the catch basin so that the region is better prepared.

In order to strengthen protection, 11 million euros are available for flood protection measures. These are to be implemented in the summer of 2026. "We have already developed concepts with the mayors and are optimistic," explains Rudolf Friewald, chairman of the regional water association. The idea of ​​setting up targeted flood areas is considered an important step to prevent future disasters.

a festival for Michael Häupl

Personal and political connections were also recognized in a solemn setting. Michael Häupl, a formative figure in Viennese politics, celebrated his 75th birthday with a zilling on the Danube through the picturesque Wachau. Together with Governor Johanna Pernkopf, Häupl presented a book about research and remembered his youth in Krems. This type of coexistence shows how important political friendships are for stable cooperation inside and outside of party politics.

summarized it is shown that Austria and Lower Austria in particular rely on the opportunities of the EU, while at the same time significant challenges in the field of flood protection and social cohesion have to be mastered. Opinions on the EU remain a central topic in the political discussion, which should continue to be accompanied intensively in the future.