Austrian foreign policy makes improved ties with its neighbours a priority

Czech-Austrian relations, which have been strained in recent months over the issue of the Temelin nuclear power plant in South Bohemia, received a boost on Monday, as Austria's Benita Ferrero-Waldner announced that support for EU expansion is to become a priority of Austrian foreign policy. Mrs. Ferrero-Waldner said her country will increase co-operation with neighbours, such as the Czech Republic, which are currently preparing for EU membership, as EU enlargement would benefit all - Austria's economy, for example, is forecast to rise by 0.5% upon EU expansion.