Austria and Russia

The Russian President’s visit to Austria was very friendly. Friendliness is important, but equally important would have been the resolve to remind Putin that it is now time for him to return to upholding existing treaties and agreements. A commentary by Karl von Habsburg.

Vladimir Putin will remember 5th June 2018 fondly. The Russian President was received with the highest honours during his visit to Austria. Discussions with the Federal President, Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, the Foreign Minister, representatives of the Economic Chamber and industry were friendly. Critical questions were not asked; sensitive topics were, if at all, merely touched upon. It was stated that peace in Europe is not possible without Russia – yes, that is precisely the problem – that Russia is an important trading partner, and Chancellor Kurz delighted the guest from Moscow with the remark that Russia is a superpower. Many Putinists in the country will have been pleased by that.

Now, 50 years of gas trade agreements between Austria and Russia are certainly an important topic for reflecting on the relationship between the two countries. After all, Russia has always honoured its agreements with Austria. A privilege not extended to all of Moscow’s trading partners. The cooperation between OMV and Gazprom works. So well, in fact, that the former Finance Minister (and thus OMV’s owner representative) hired himself out directly as a lobbyist for Gazprom after leaving politics. New gas supply contracts were even signed (so much for the end of the fossil age and the end of dependence).

A sober assessment reveals that Austria exports goods worth 2.2 billion euros to Russia annually – and here, the ‘sanctions’ truly play no role. Central European countries are more significant trading partners; even tiny Slovenia ranks higher than Russia.

Of course, it is not to be expected that Austria is the lever for lifting measures against certain parts of the Russian economy and the Putin system. There is no reason for this as long as Moscow does not cease its military aggression against neighbouring Ukraine – in breach of all treaties and promises.

However, we no longer live in the old East-West confrontation, where Vienna was considered a neutral bridgehead between the blocs. Austria is part of the EU, will preside over its Council, and would therefore have done well to remind Putin that, after Moscow’s many disruptions to relations, it is time to return to upholding existing treaties and agreements. Vladimir Putin will register this missed opportunity as weakness and exploit it.

The article originally appeared on the website of Karl von Habsburg.

c Featured image: Carina Karlovits/HBF