Austria's Positive Path Towards Citizenship for Descendants of National Socialism Victims

More+More+ ♦ Published: September 3, 2023; 22:16 ♦ (Vindobona)

Austria took an important step in October 2019 to live up to its historical responsibility. Parliament made it possible for the descendants of persecutees of National Socialism to obtain citizenship through a "notification". This significant amendment to the Citizenship Law came into force on September 1, 2020. In view of the third anniversary of this change, Foreign Minister Schallenberg draws a positive conclusion.

It remains Austria's declared goal to continue to do justice to the need for the descendants of Nazi persecutees to feel connected to Austria and thus to our historical responsibility. / Picture: © BMI Bundesministerium für Inneres / Alexander Tuma

The possibility for affected persons to regain Austrian citizenship has proven to be a significant step. People of different ages have decided to take up Austrian citizenship in the past three years. These decisions are characterized by a trust in Austria and a strong attachment to the country.

Foreign Minister Schallenberg is pleased with the positive response from all over the…