
Austrian chancellor who led EU accession.
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Franz Vranitzky became Chancellor of Austria on June 16, 1986, succeeding Fred Sinowatz. He led a coalition government between the Social Democratic Party and the Freedom Party of Austria until 1987, then with the Austrian People's Party.
Vranitzky submitted Austria's application for membership in the European Communities on July 17, 1989. This initiated a multi-year negotiation process that culminated in Austria joining the European Union on January 1, 1995.
Under Vranitzky's chancellorship, Austria became a full member of the European Union on January 1, 1995, following a referendum in 1994 where 66.6% of voters approved. This marked a major shift in Austrian foreign policy from neutrality to integration.
Vranitzky resigned as Chancellor on January 20, 1997, after 11 years in office. He cited a desire for a change in leadership and was succeeded by Viktor Klima. His tenure was the second-longest in post-war Austria.
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