Austria: 50 years state treaty

50 Years State Treaty

Events on the Occasion of the Anniversary


On May 15, 1955, Austria's Foreign Minister (and former Federal Chancellor) Leopold Figl presented the freshly signed State Treaty from the balcony of Belvedere Palace. Just before, at the signing of the treaty, he had spoken the legendary words, "Austria is Free!"
The document was a treaty between Austria and the victorious countries of World War II, France, England, the United States and the USSR. With this treaty, the small country in the center of Europe regained its sovereignty. In 1938, Austria had become part of Germany and had, as such, participated in the war. Since April 27, 1945, the country had been independent, but it was occupied by France, England, the United States, and the USSR.

"The Four in the Jeep," as the patrolling representatives of the occupying forces were called, characterized the cityscape of the devastated city. Orson Welles's legendary film "The Third Man" gives an excellent impression of daily life in the Vienna of the time.

Vienna celebrates the anniversary this year with numerous events.