Austria Backs Morocco's Sahara Autonomy

Austria has officially expressed its support for International — United Nations Security Council (2025) and endorsed Morocco's autonomy plan as a viable solution for the Western Sahara dispute. This position was formalized in a joint communiqué following a meeting in Vienna between Austria's Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita. The move reinforces a growing international consensus in favor of Morocco's proposal, which is seen as a pragmatic framework for resolving the long-standing conflict. Additionally, Austria and Morocco signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a structured strategic dialogue, aiming to deepen bilateral cooperation across political and economic fields and elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This development builds on previous diplomatic engagements, including a joint declaration signed in March 2023 following a visit by Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer to Morocco.