Ended Allied occupation of Austria and restored its full sovereignty after World War II.
Key Facts
- Signing Date
- 15 May 1955
- Signing Venue
- Schloss Belvedere, Vienna
- Entry into Force
- 27 July 1955
- Allied Signatories
- France, United Kingdom, United States, Soviet Union
- Additional Acceding State
- Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following World War II, Austria was divided into four occupation zones controlled by France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Soviet Union. Prolonged negotiations over a decade sought to resolve Austria's postwar international status and end foreign military presence on its territory.
On 15 May 1955, representatives of the four Allied powers and the Austrian government signed the Austrian State Treaty at Schloss Belvedere in Vienna. The treaty's full title designated it as an instrument for the re-establishment of an independent and democratic Austria. Yugoslavia subsequently acceded to the agreement.
The treaty came into force on 27 July 1955, formally restoring Austria as a fully sovereign independent state and ending the Allied occupation. Austria subsequently declared permanent neutrality, shaping its foreign policy throughout the Cold War and beyond.
Political Outcome
Austria restored as a sovereign, independent, and democratic state; Allied occupation ended.
Austria divided into four Allied occupation zones since 1945
Austria re-established as a fully sovereign independent democratic state