Austria marks 30 years since joining the European Union, a milestone that sparks mixed emotions.

While the EU has brought economic growth and stability, many Austrians remain skeptical, associating it with bureaucracy and regulations.

Comparisons to non-EU nations like Switzerland and post-Brexit Britain highlight the challenges of going it alone, from economic struggles to political instability.

Austria’s EU membership followed decades of rebuilding after World War II, including the 1955 State Treaty that established its neutrality.

Despite criticisms, the EU remains a vital framework for Austria, much like Winston Churchill’s view of democracy: flawed, but the best option available.