The three joined the EU on January 1st 1995, enlarging the bloc to 15 member states.
The wish to join the EU came amid an economic downturn in the 1980s, when full EU membership allowed for equal membership in its single market. Historically Austria, Sweden and Finland had all been officially neutral during the Cold War, and hadn’t formally aligned themselves with the West. But by 1995 the Cold War has been consigned to history.
At the time public opinion was fairly Eurosceptic, with Austria, Finland, Norway and Sweden seeking to vigorously defend their economic interests and the ‘Nordic model’. The accession negotiations were particularly arduous in relation to agriculture, the amount of regional aid, budgetary matters and fishing quotas.
In line with their democratic traditions, Finland, Norway and Sweden submitted the accession agreement to the popular vote. The results were roughly as forecast: a clear ‘Yes’ in both Finland and Austria, a small ‘Yes’ in Sweden, and a ‘No’ from the Norwegians.
On Thursday, to mark the occasion, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer received Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson for an official visit in Vienna on Thursday.
Kristersson was welcomed with military honours, followed by talks in the chancellery. He also attended the New Year’s Concert on Wednesday.
The discussions focused on migration policies. Sweden has tightened its asylum rules under Kristersson’s conservative government.
Both leaders aim to push for stronger EU border security and better mechanisms for returning migrants whose asylum applications are denied. They plan to advocate for these changes at the EU Commission.
“We are allies in the fight against illegal migration. Sweden is an important and reliable partner here, a strong voice,” said Nehammer.
“I think both the Chancellor and I, we share the desire to think outside the box now, not to settle and say things are complicated,” Kristersson added. “We knew that already. complicated things are meant to be solved, not to be discussed only.”
