HOW CAN GERMANY DEFUSE ITS NEIGHBORS' FEARS?
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first welcomed as hungry consumers, but shortly after much disliked as
competitors on the labor market. Suddenly, some Austrians proudly dis–
covered their roots in Bohemia and Slovakia. Others were frightened by
the changes: Crime and traffic pollution were unpleasant side-effects. For
many Austrians the Iron Curtain had also represented a wall of security.
But these are petty concerns compared to the beneficial economic
changes. Austria has profited from the political
Wende
in the neighbor–
ing countries. Exports have soared, consulting services and joint ventures
are booming. Many multinational companies coordinate their activities
in the East European markets from Vienna. Since Austria joined the EU,
there is even less danger of being "inhaled" by Germany. The European
Union offers Austria political and economic opportunities to strengthen
its identity and stress its individuality also vis-a-vis Germany.
Groups of young, skeptical Austrians vehemently opposed entry into
the EU, fearing that Germany could force Austria to vote with them.
They will have to realize that it is the European Union alone that can
diffuse their angst. Membership in the EU can help Austria free itself eco–
nomically from its larger neighbor. Exporters can sell their products in
thirteen other markets without any restrictions. Students may enter uni–
versities all across the continent. Austrian regions and research institutions
can get money from Brussels.
The alternative to a European integration of Austria would have
been a quasi-satellite status in relation to Germany: getting customs pref–
erences from its big promoter, being vulnerable and dependent. This is
also the reason why Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic want to
enter the EU as fast as possible. The new Europe is perhaps not the solu–
tion to all the problems between Austria and Germany - but it at least
offers the opportunity to look for solutions.
Patrick Kelly:
Thank you. May I ask those from the audience to
please step to the mike, identify yourselves, and keep your questions brief
so everyone has a chance.
Karl Hyman: I
liked what I heard. But I want to point out that
Croatia was totally on the Nazi side and fought with the Germans
against the Russians. Subsequently, Tito held them in rein . Historically,
Yugoslavia was an artificial state, held together by a strong government.
As to Austria, it welcomed the Germans. In Austria, even recently, four
gypsies were murdered, and this brings back memories of the Nazi era.
Romania, too, collaborated with the Germans. Its anti-Semitism is his–
toric, and it had divisions fighting with the Nazis on the Russian front. I
