33/xx October 2016 The EU-Debate in Austria: Dynamic perceptions and ambiguous politics Paul Schmidt W hen Austria joined the European Union 21 years ago with 66.6 percent of the people voting in favour one could hardly expect the turn the public EU debate would take in the years to come. [...] Price increases in sensitive areas following the introduction of the Euro, as well as the Eastern enlargement of the European Union raised concerns about national sovereignty, increased competition and economic benefits. [...] Available for free downloading from the CEPS (www.ceps.eu) and EPIN (www.epin.org) websites © Copyright 2016, EPIN 2 | ADAM ŁAZOWSKI The missing link Questions of European solidarity moved towards the centre of the debate, an aspect also stressed during the most recent refugee and migration dilemma. [...] Whereas the Visegrad states were harshly criticised at the beginning for not showing solidarity by rejecting the integration of refugees and the implementation of quotas, bits and parts of politics and public opinion now openly demonstrate sympathy. [...] With regard to the aftermaths of the British decision and changes in public opinion, politicians of the Freedom Party – at least for the time being – refrained from claims to hold a referendum about Austrian EU membership.
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