Opening of Austrian Embassy in Azerbaijan caused Austrian society's discontent.

The author of a Der Standard-published article Markus Bernat asserts Austria-Azerbaijan collaboration is based on oil-and-gas factor solely. “By opening Baku representation, Austrian government aims to demonstrate its intention to support OMV oil concern in Nabucco project implementation,” the author notes.

Markus Bernat also comments on the reasons behind Austria-Azerbaijan collaboration, focusing on dubious nature of the latter. “Baku, rich in oil and natural gas, is a key state in the context of gas transit from East to Europe, bypassing Russia’s control. This is the reason behind Vienna's political sacrifice.”

Besides Austria's Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger, Economy Minister Reinhold Mitterlehner, 50 representatives of Austrian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, OMV wing participated in the embassy opening ceremony.

“Spindelegger spoke about the need for reorientation in Austrian foreign policy in crisis circumstances, while closing consulates in Hamburg, Rio de Janeiro and Capetown,” the articles stressed. The author expressed perplexity over Vienna’s resolution to open representation in Baku, causing surprise in other South Caucasus states with its unbalanced approach.