Austria's Russia ties and Bosnia gambit raise eyebrows in Brussels
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Austria is accused of obstructing EU decisions on Ukraine and aligning with Hungary, resurrecting fears of a unified Austria-Hungary that pursues its own agenda.
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Austria leverages its neutrality to have warm ties with Russia while also claiming Western allegiance, similar to Hungary's tactics.
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Austria's real motive is to push for Bosnia's EU accession if talks with Ukraine open, given its longtime economic and political ties to the region.
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Vienna bristles at comparisons to Orbán's Hungary, seeing Hungary as an obstinate neighbor more than an ally.
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Austria's far-right Freedom Party, which sees Orbán's Hungary as a model, leads comfortably in polls ahead of 2023 elections, sparking concerns.