Country Summary: The Convention has been in force between the United States and Austria since 1988. While the Department did not cite Austria for demonstrating a pattern of noncompliance in 2020, the Department is concerned about delays in the enforcement of Convention orders.
Central Authority: The U.S. and the Austrian Central Authorities have a productive relationship that facilitates the resolution of abduction cases under the Convention.
Location: The competent authorities took appropriate steps to locate a child after a Convention application was filed.
Judicial Authorities: Delays by the Austrian judicial authorities impacted cases during 2020.
Enforcement: While a court in Austria ordered a return under the Convention, in a separate proceeding regarding enforcement of that order, a court in Austria has declined to enforce the return order.
Department Recommendations: The Department and the Austrian Central Authority will continue the effective processing and resolution of cases under the Convention. The Department will continue to address the areas of concern with the Austrian Central Authority.