From the Middle Ages until the twentieth century, today's Austria and Turkey were the core regions within much larger empires.

After these gains, Austria was no longer able to advance into the Balkans; because of the rival influence of Russia, in a stalemate and dispute known as the Eastern Question.

The Freedom Party called for the suspension of diplomatic relations and for stopping EU accession talks with Ankara.

[3] In December 2017, Turkey accused the incoming Austrian government of discrimination and racism, after it would not agree to Ankara joining the EU.

Also, the Turkish foreign ministry accused the incoming government of “dishonesty,” and warned that their approach would bring Austria “to the brink of losing Turkey’s friendship” and be met with “the reaction that it deserves.”[4] In September 2023, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, in an interview with the German newspaper Die Welt, called for the termination of full membership negotiations between the EU and Turkey and the development of a new concept within the relations between the EU and Turkey.