“The Balkans begin at the Rennweg”

By Johann Sattler “The Balkans begin at the Rennweg (street in the center of Vienna)” – there is hardly any Austrian that doesn’t know this phrase, which is attributed to former Austrian Chancellor Metternich in the 19th century. Since then, this statement has been cited frequently to illustrate Austria’s geographical, historical, economic and cultural ties with the Balkan region and to show the mediating role that Austria has played throughout history as a bridge between the Balkans and Central and Western Europe. Support for the establishment of the Albanian state is a good example of Austria-Hungary’s role in Southeastern part…