13. Italy and Austria
From Habsburg dominance to bitter World War I foes, Italy and Austria have overcome deep-seated animosities. Their European partnership today is strengthened by shared tourism interests and regional EU collaboration. Italy remains Austria’s second-largest trading partner, with trade relations particularly close with the Northern Italian regions. The majority of the approximately 300 subsidiaries of Austrian companies in Italy are located in the north of the country. For Austrian holidaymakers, Italy is still the unrivalled number one holiday destination, which is reflected in about 1.9 million visits per year (bmeia.gv.at). Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe, European Union, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino Euroregion, established in 1998, further exemplifies their collaborative efforts.
