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In what might be interpreted as a bad omen by those fearing for the EU’s future, the large pole-mounted flag collapsed and hit the ground just inches from where Mr Strache was standing.

The vice chancellor, who is also the leader of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO), joked afterwards: “Today I saved and intercepted the EU.”

He helped raise the bloc’s flag again before walking off smiling.

The FPO formed a coalition with the conservative People’s Party (OVP) after elections in Austria in December last year.