Reichstadt Agreement between Russia and Austria-Hungary on the Balkans

Background. The talks took place amid the Balkan crisis that followed the April 1876 rebellion of the Bulgarian population against Ottoman rule. The monarchs and their foreign ministers, Prince Alexander Gorchakov of Russia and Count Gyula Andrássy of Austria-Hungary, were present. In the event of a Serbian and Montenegrin victory, the Balkans were divided into zones of interest, and the annexation of Bosnian-Herzegovinian territories by Austria-Hungary and the borders of Balkan states were discussed, although the extent remained unclear.

Terms of Understanding. The monarchs verbally agreed on non-intervention in the Serbian-Ottoman war and Austrian neutrality in a potential Russo-Ottoman conflict. In the event of a Serbian and Montenegrin victory, the Balkans were divided into zones of interest. Austria-Hungary was to annex Bosnian-Herzegovinian territories, while Russia was allowed gains in Bessarabia and the Caucasus.

Diplomatic Context. According to Bismarck's recollection, Russia had sought rapprochement with Austria-Hungary after he rejected closer ties between the German Empire and Russia at Austria's expense in his answer to Tsar Alexander II's 'doctor question' from the Russian Livadia Palace. He recalled that the Russian focus then moved from Eastern Galicia toward the Balkans, and that Russia first negotiated with Austria in Pest in accordance with the Reichstadt agreements. The related documents were sent in July 1876 with the request that they be kept secret.