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Austrian Chancellor Stocker Calls for European “Competitiveness Agenda” and Diplomatic Initiative Toward Moscow
From Antwerp to Bratislava: Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker is pushing for a radical reorientation of European economic and energy policy. The focus is on falling electricity prices, preserving industry, a clear line on the Ukraine issue, and keeping channels of communication open with Russia.
February 12, 2026
Revenge in the Style of a Thriller: Hamlet's Return to Josefstadt After 70 Years
It is a theatrical event of historical significance: for the first time since 1956, when the legendary Oskar Werner shone in the title role, the "Theater in der Josefstadt" is once again staging Shakespeare's “Hamlet.” But anyone expecting a classic tragedy was proven wrong at the premiere. Director Stephan Müller stages the play as a fast-paced, hard-hitting thriller in which lead actor Claudius von Stolzmann portrays the Danish prince as a “young rebel” bent on causing trouble.
February 12, 2026
Swiss Mission for Peace: OSCE Leaders on Historic Visit to Moscow
In a diplomatic offensive to end the war in Ukraine, the acting OSCE Chairperson, Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis, and Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu traveled to Moscow. It was the first visit of its kind since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.
February 11, 2026
Innsbruck's Grand Hotel Europa Set to Glamorous Reopening in 2029
After years of stagnation, bankruptcy proceedings, and the headline-grabbing destruction of the historic Baroque hall, there is now hope for the Grand Hotel Europa. The Upper Austrian entrepreneurial family Hutterer is taking over the reins and plans to return the hotel to five-star status.
February 11, 2026
Networking among Neoreactionaries: Silicon Valley Ideologist Curtis Yarvin Visits Vienna
The far-right scene in Austria is increasingly seeking to join forces with the radical U.S. right. It has now been revealed that the identitarian offshoot “Aktion 451” is inviting the controversial Silicon Valley ideologist Curtis Yarvin to make a guest appearance in Vienna. Yarvin is considered an intellectual pioneer of authoritarianism and maintains close contacts with influential U.S. figures such as J.D. Vance and Peter Thiel.
February 10, 2026
Austria's Export Economy: Getting Through the Crisis Year 2025 with a “Black Eye”
The Austrian export industry looks back on a turbulent year. As the latest figures from the OeNB export indicator for January 2026 show, nominal goods exports shrank by 0.7% in 2025 as a whole. In real terms—i.e., adjusted for price changes—the decline was slightly more pronounced at 1.4%. Nevertheless, economists are cautiously optimistic: given the global upheavals, the domestic economy has come through relatively unscathed.
February 10, 2026
Business Crisis in the Austrian Publishing Industry: Leykam Discontinues Novels and Children's Books
Austria's oldest publishing house is facing a radical reorientation. As announced by the management of the long-established Leykam publishing house, the company will largely withdraw from the consumer market starting in 2027. In concrete terms, this means the end of the literature, children's, and young adult book divisions, as well as popular non-fiction. In the future, the publishing house, founded in 1585, intends to focus exclusively on the fields of science and education.
February 9, 2026
Russian State Television Films at Vienna Middle School
Christian Klar, principal of the Franz Jonas European School in Floridsdorf, has already given two interviews to the Russian state broadcaster Rossija 1. The Vienna Board of Education appears unaware of the situation, while experts warn against exploiting Vienna's school problems for Kremlin propaganda.
February 9, 2026
Epstein Files Reach Austria Again: Traces Lead to Vorarlberg
The publication of the so-called “Epstein Files” has caused worldwide outrage. It now appears that the network of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein also had connections to Vorarlberg, aside from Vienna and the Austrian passport. Emails from 2012 raise disturbing questions about stays in Montafon and Zürs.
February 9, 2026
From Vienna to the Moon: NASA Astronaut Stephen Bowen Promotes U.S.-Austrian Space Cooperation
Space is moving a little closer to the Austrian capital. Experienced NASA astronaut Stephen Bowen visited Vienna to honor the scientific cooperation between the U.S. and Austria and to get everyone in the mood for the upcoming historic Artemis II moon mission.
February 9, 2026
Russia's New Ambassador Andrei Grosov Criticizes Vienna
On Russian Diplomatic Staff Day on February 10, the newly accredited Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Austria, Andrei Grosov, spoke out in no uncertain terms. He accused the EU, and Austria in particular, of “reinterpreting history” and applying dangerous double standards in its dealings with National Socialism.
February 5, 2026
Emirati Mubadala Wins €700 Million in Signa Proceedings in Geneva
A bombshell has been dropped in the billion-dollar legal battle over René Benko's collapsed empire. The International Court of Arbitration (ICC) in Geneva has awarded the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala over €700 million. While the core real estate companies can breathe a sigh of relief, a foundation belonging to the Benko family is now under enormous pressure.
February 5, 2026
Focus on Economic Diplomacy: Meinl-Reisinger Successfully Concludes Gulf Trip
To broaden Austria's international partnerships in an unstable global situation, Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger concluded her five-day trip through the Gulf region. In her luggage: new cooperation agreements and an important tax treaty.
February 4, 2026
Change of Rector at Vienna's IWM: Misha Glenny Returns to the BBC
The renowned Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) is facing a significant change. As announced by the institute, the current rector, Misha Glenny, will step down from his position in 2026. A successor is already being sought through an international call for applications.
February 4, 2026
Career after Vienna: Dmitry Lyubinsky Appointed Russian Deputy Foreign Minister
After exactly ten years at the helm of the Russian Embassy in Vienna's Reisnerstraße, Dmitry Lyubinsky has returned to the central administration in Moscow. He now serves as one of the Deputy Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation under Sergey Lavrov.
February 3, 2026
Heumarkt Project and UNESCO: Investor Appeals to Administrative Court Following Environmental Impact Assessment
The tug-of-war over Vienna's Heumarkt site has reached the next stage of escalation. After the Federal Administrative Court (BVwG) ordered an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the latest project variant, investor Michael Tojner announced that he would appeal the decision.
February 3, 2026
ams-Osram Sells Sensor Business to German Company Infineon for €570 Million
The semiconductor company ams-Osram is continuing its cost-cutting measures and divesting itself of a significant division. The buyer is German chip giant Infineon, which is primarily strengthening its location in Graz with this acquisition.
February 3, 2026
Signa Insolvency: Hotel Andaz Vienna Sold for 92 Million Euros – Reorientation from April
In the wake of the breakup of René Benko's Signa empire, another high-profile deal has emerged: the luxury hotel “Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere” is changing hands for €92 million. The sale is accompanied by a strategic realignment and a brand change.
February 2, 2026
A Diplomat for Times of Crisis: Estonia's Arti Hilpus Strengthens European Alliances
In a time of growing geopolitical tensions, Estonia is relying on experience. Arti Hilpus, one of the Baltic states' most prominent diplomats, has played a key role in recent months. Following his accreditation in Vienna in the fall of 2025, he has now formally taken up his duties in Switzerland. At the heart of his mission: European security and unwavering support for Ukraine.
February 1, 2026
“Remembrance is a Duty”: Austria Commemorates the Victims of the Shoah with New Initiatives
On the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, Austria sent a strong signal against forgetting. Between state visits from Yad Vashem, new dialogue projects for descendants of Nazi victims, and plans for a national Holocaust museum, it became clear that the Alpine republic increasingly sees its historical responsibility as an active mission for the present.
February 1, 2026
Meet Ingrīda Levrence, Latvia's Top Diplomat in Vienna
Ingrīda Levrence, one of Latvia's most distinguished diplomats, is taking over as ambassador to Austria. The renowned Europe expert and multiple ambassador brings impressive international experience from Beijing to Brussels to Vienna to further strengthen bilateral relations in politically turbulent times.
January 29, 2026
ICMPD and Migration 2026: A “Window of Opportunity” for Europe
The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) has published its eagerly awaited “Migration Outlook 2026.” While the number of irregular arrivals in the EU is falling, the organization warns against a false sense of calm. The new Director General, Susanne Raab, calls for the decisive implementation of the EU Asylum Pact.
January 29, 2026
Real Estate Market 2025: Salary Increases and Inflation Make Housing More Affordable Again
The Austrian real estate market presents a paradoxical picture at the beginning of 2026: while prices are rising on paper, home ownership is actually becoming more affordable. New data from the Austrian National Bank (OeNB) shows that the combination of strong wage growth and falling real valuations has significantly improved “affordability.”
January 29, 2026
Signa Crisis Intensifies: Concerns About “Bankruptcy Within Bankruptcy” Due to Billion-Dollar Ruling in Paris
The already complex insolvency situation of the Signa Group is now threatened by a new financial blow. An imminent ruling by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration court could ruin the local proceedings—even before the first installment is paid to creditors.
January 29, 2026
Vienna as a Bridge to Latin America: Austria Becomes a Pioneer Donor for Urban Development
In a groundbreaking round of consultations, Austria has consolidated its role as a strategic partner to Latin America. The Republic is the world's first donor to support the Inter-American Development Bank's (IDB) new “Cities and Regions” program. This positions Vienna as a central hub for sustainable urbanization and economic cooperation shortly before the IDB's major annual meeting in Paraguay.
January 28, 2026
IAEA and International Financial Institutions Strengthen Cooperation
Representatives from the World Bank Group, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the OPEC Fund for International Development met at the Vienna International Centre of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to discuss recent progress in financing nuclear energy projects. The meeting was part of a new phase in which cooperation between the IAEA and multilateral development banks is moving from purely diplomatic dialogue to tangible projects.
January 28, 2026
Building Bridges Across the Atlantic: U.S. Embassy Promotes Investment from Austria
Economic ties between Austria and the United States are becoming closer. Following the successful conclusion of the “Destination USA” investment roadshow event in Vienna, the U.S. Embassy has given a positive assessment. The goal is clearly defined: to support Austrian companies in gaining a foothold in the world's largest economy.
January 28, 2026
Assistance in Escape for Jan Marsalek: Former FPÖ Representative Thomas S. in Court
The legal investigation into the Wirecard scandal in Austria has reached a new stage. While Jan Marsalek is believed to be in Moscow, the Vienna public prosecutor's office is now charging a prominent alleged accomplice: former FPÖ member of parliament Thomas S. is accused of facilitating the ex-manager's escape in June 2020.
January 28, 2026
Cost Pressures Make Museum Tickets More Expensive
Anyone wishing to visit the magnificent halls of Austria's federal museums these days will have to dig deeper into their pockets than ever before. While institutions such as the Belvedere and the Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) are celebrating record visitor numbers, massive cost pressures are leading to drastic price increases. For many art lovers, visiting museums is thus becoming increasingly difficult to afford.
January 26, 2026
NEOS Calls for Former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl's Citizenship to be Revoked
Former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl has once again caused a diplomatic scandal. Following a series of insults against her country of birth, in which she referred to Austrians as “hyenas” and made a bizarre comparison to Hitler, the NEOS party is now demanding drastic consequences: they want to revoke the Austrian citizenship of the former politician, who now lives in Russia.
January 26, 2026
Between Reconstruction and Winter Aid: Austria's New Role in the Middle East and Ukraine
In a period of global instability, the Austrian Foreign Ministry (BMEIA) is increasingly focusing on a dual strategy of forward-looking economic aid in the Middle East and urgent humanitarian support for Ukraine. While Vienna debates the economic opportunities in Gaza and Syria, millions more are being spent on protecting the Ukrainian civilian population from the harsh winter.
January 26, 2026
Ambassador Qi Mei Promotes China at the 2026 Vienna Holiday Fair
The Vienna Holiday Fair 2026, which took place from January 15 to 18 at Messe Wien, had a special highlight this year: On Saturday, January 17, Chinese Ambassador Qi Mei visited the Chinese pavilion. Her visit focused on the massive easing of entry requirements for Austrian travelers and cultural exchange between the two nations.
January 25, 2026
Vienna Budget Turnaround: Deficit Surprisingly Shrinks to €2.8 Billion
The federal capital's 2025 financial year is taking an unexpected turn. According to the latest forecasts from Mayor Michael Ludwig's (SPÖ) office, the budget deficit will be significantly lower than originally feared at €2.8 billion. While the city government is hailing this as a success, the opposition is voicing sharp criticism.
January 25, 2026
Five Years of the Nuclear Weapons Ban: Meinl-Reisinger Warns of “Threat to Our Existence”
It is a small but diplomatic milestone for security policy: January 22, 2026, marks the fifth anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). On the occasion of this anniversary, Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger spoke clearly about the global threat situation. “Nuclear weapons do not protect us, they endanger our existence!” the minister emphasized in an official statement.
January 25, 2026
"Continent of Opportunity": Austria Plans New Strategic Partnership with Africa
Austria's Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) is pushing for a reorientation of Austrian foreign policy. With a comprehensive “Africa strategy,” the federal government wants to win over the rapidly growing continent not only as a recipient of development aid, but also as an equal economic and security partner.
January 21, 2026
“Former Friend”: Van der Bellen Settles Scores with the U.S. in Diplomatic Hofburg Speech
At the traditional New Year's reception for the diplomatic corps at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen spoke clearly about the current world situation. In particular, the actions of the U.S. in Venezuela and the threats against Greenland led to a notable escalation in diplomatic rhetoric.
January 21, 2026
Meet Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russia's New Top Diplomat to the OSCE in Vienna
At the beginning of 2026, Dmitry Polyanskiy officially took office as the new Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna. In his first keynote speech, the experienced diplomat made clear demands on Switzerland, which holds the chairmanship of the organization this year.
January 20, 2026
Tidal Shift at Vienna Airport: Passenger Decline and Airline Withdrawal
After a record year in 2025, dark clouds are gathering over Vienna International Airport. While passenger numbers are falling and low-cost airlines are turning their backs on the capital, the management board is attempting to maintain stable earnings through cost-cutting programs. However, cost pressure at the Austrian location is intensifying massively.
January 20, 2026
Italy and the University of Vienna Organize Major Charity Concert “Sounds for Peace” at the Vienna Musikverein
When the powerful sounds of Giuseppe Verdi's “Messa da Requiem” fill the Golden Hall of the Vienna Musikverein on January 30, 2026, there will be more than just musical excellence on the program. Under the title “Sounds for Peace,” the University of Vienna, together with the Italian diplomatic missions, invites you to an evening that uses music as a bridge for peace and as a tool against global hunger.
January 19, 2026
France-Austria: 2026, a G7 and Cultural Centenary Year
In his New Year's address for 2026, the French Ambassador to Austria, Matthieu Peyraud, outlined a year rich in symbolism and diplomatic challenges. Between France's presidency of the G7 and the centenary of French institutions in Vienna, bilateral relations are set to experience a historic moment.
January 19, 2026
Swiss Diplomacy Faces Tough Test This Year: Federal Councilor Cassis Opens OSCE Chairmanship Year 2026
Swiss Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis launched the official program of Switzerland's OSCE Chairmanship in Vienna. This is the third time Switzerland has taken the helm of the world's largest regional security organization, following 1996 and 2014. The goal is clearly defined: amid the war in Ukraine and diplomatic deadlock, Bern wants to ensure the OSCE's ability to act and create long-term prospects for peace.
January 19, 2026
Switzerland and Austria Underline Security Partnership in Turbulent Times
It is a living tradition with new urgency: at the start of the new year, Swiss President Guy Parmelin and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis visited the federal capital, Vienna. But behind the diplomatic protocols of the inaugural visits, there was a clear message this time: in view of global crises and a changed world situation, the two neutral neighboring states are seeking close cooperation—especially in their joint security and defense policy.
January 19, 2026
After Deliberations, Austria's Government Presents Billion-Euro Package in Mauerbach
In a two-day closed-door summit, the federal government, consisting of the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS parties, set the course for 2026. With the formula “2-1-0”—two percent inflation, one percent growth, and zero tolerance for violations of the law—the team led by Chancellor Christian Stocker aims to lead Austria out of economic stagnation.
January 14, 2026
Austria's OMV Loses to Gazprom in Russian Court of Appeal
The legal dispute between Austrian energy company OMV and Russian state-owned giant Gazprom is entering a new phase. An appeals court in St. Petersburg dismissed an appeal by OMV. This means that the ban imposed in Russia on continuing arbitration proceedings in Sweden remains in place, with penalties amounting to millions of dollars for violations.
January 14, 2026
Music Against Oblivion: Exile Art Celebrates a Grand Double Anniversary in 2026
The Exile Art Center at the mdw (University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna) has announced an extraordinary program for 2026. With a series of high-caliber concerts and exhibitions, the institution will celebrate its tenth anniversary as a university center and the 20th anniversary of its founding association. The goal remains unchanged: to make audible the voices of those who were silenced by the Nazi regime.
January 13, 2026 · Sponsored Content
Silk Road Meets Vienna: Turkic Week Provides Impulse for Global Networking
The Austrian capital becomes a center for Turkic-speaking diplomacy and culture. Under the patronage of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and the permanent missions of its member states to the United Nations (UN), “Turkic Week” was officially opened. The program combines centuries-old heritage with forward-looking infrastructure projects such as the “Middle Corridor.”
January 13, 2026
After 25 Years Mercosur Agreement Reached: Austria Torn Between Export Euphoria and Farmers' Fears
After a quarter of a century of negotiations, the European Union has paved the way for the world's largest free trade agreement. While Austrian industry is calling it a “historic milestone,” the agricultural sector is bitterly disappointed.
January 12, 2026
Change of Leadership in Vienna: Susanne Raab Officially Takes Over as Head of the ICMPD
The turn of the year 2026 marks the beginning of a new era at the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). Former Austrian Federal Minister Susanne Raab officially took office as Director General on January 1. As the first woman to head the organization, she is setting clear priorities for migration policy for the next five years.
January 12, 2026
OPEC+: Alliance of Eight Countries Slows Oil Production Until Spring 2026
In a time of global economic uncertainty and heightened geopolitical tensions, OPEC+ remains a dominant force in the worldwide oil industry. At a virtual meeting, the eight leading member states decided to suspend the planned production increases for the coming months for the time being.
January 12, 2026
Between Fiscal Discipline and a Wave of Bankruptcies in Austria: Finance Minister Marterbauer Slows Down Ahead of Government Retreat
Before the start of the government retreat, Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) drew a clear red line. Despite a historic record year for corporate insolvencies, he warns against “expensive wishes” from the business community. While the industry is insisting on relief, the Ministry of Finance is focusing on targeted structural support rather than broad tax cuts.
January 12, 2026
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