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Vienna's Foreign and Bilateral Relations
Read the latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, business, diplomacy, culture and tourism between Austria and its partners
U.S. Ambassador Fisher Launches His Mission in Vienna: Diplomatic Talks and Focus on Transatlantic Partnership
The new United States Ambassador to Austria, Arthur “Art” Fisher, has held a series of important meetings during his first weeks in Vienna to reaffirm strong bilateral relations and discuss shared priorities. The North Carolina real estate entrepreneur described his new ambassadorial role as “the honor of his life.”
November 26, 2025
Austria and Italy Together With UNODC Urge Global Alliance Against Organized Crime
The threats posed by transnational organized crime are more complex, interconnected, and dangerous than ever before. In light of these developments, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Italian President Sergio Mattarella, together with Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), have called for renewed global solidarity.
November 26, 2025
EUSALP Annual Forum in Innsbruck Concludes With New Joint Action Plan
Cross-border cooperation in the Alpine region has reached a new milestone. At the General Assembly and Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) in Innsbruck, the new EUSALP Action Plan was adopted, setting out the strategy for the next ten years. At the same time, EUSALP, which brings together seven countries and 48 regions, celebrated its 10th anniversary and marked the end of the Austrian-Liechtenstein co-presidency in 2025.
November 26, 2025
Albania Gets Support from Meinl-Reisinger: Full EU Membership by 2030 is the Goal
Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Austria's Foreign Minister, wants to present her country as a reliable partner on Albania's path to the European Union. Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger reiterated this during her visit to Tirana, where she met with Prime Minister Edi Rama and her Albanian counterpart Elisa Spiropali.
November 25, 2025
Ryanair: Growth in Bratislava, Decline in Vienna
Irish low-cost airline Ryanair is pushing ahead with its expansion in Slovakia and has announced 70 percent growth for Bratislava Airport. At the same time, the company is sticking to its previously announced cuts in Vienna. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary justified the change of course with the high costs in Austria and sharply criticized the Austrian government at press conferences.
November 25, 2025
Austria On Track: EU Commission Accepts Deficit Plans Despite Surprises
As part of its autumn package for the European Semester, the EU Commission has given Austria a positive assessment of its progress in the ongoing deficit procedure. Despite the expected higher budget deficits, particularly in some federal states, Vienna is certified to be on track to comply with EU requirements. No new requirements are expected for the time being. At the same time, the government's eagerly awaited industrial strategy is coming into focus, with leading economists calling for a “European dimension.”
November 25, 2025
OPEC and GECF Warn of Energy Crisis: Trillions in Investments in Oil and Gas Urgently Needed
At their Sixth High-Level Energy Dialogue in Vienna, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) issued an urgent appeal to the international community: in view of record-breaking growth in demand, massive and long-term investment in oil and gas production is essential. Without sufficient funding, there is a risk of a shortage in supply security.
November 23, 2025
Meinl-Reisinger Calls for a Defensible EU and Criticism of U.S. Peace Plan
During her meeting with EU counterparts in Brussels and on Austrian radio-televison, Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) called for a stronger, defensible, and geopolitically capable European Union.
November 23, 2025
India to Host Global AI Impact Summit 2026
India is positioning itself as a global pioneer in responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence (AI). The country will host the India–AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi on February 19 and 20, 2026. This is also being promoted by the Indian Embassy in Vienna.
November 20, 2025
New U.S. Ambassador Fisher Considers Austria an “Excellent Partner”
Immediately after he presented his credentials to the Federal President of Austria, the new Ambassador of the United States of America to Austria, Art Fisher, held his first official meeting with Austrian foreign policy representatives. He met with the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, and expressed his delight at the start of his term of office.
November 19, 2025
IAEA Urges Iran: Immediate Need for Action on Uranium Stocks Following Military Attacks
Iran is under increased pressure from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to provide complete transparency regarding its nuclear activities, and in particular its uranium stocks, following the military attacks in June.
November 19, 2025
Iran, China, and Russia Coordinate Ahead of IAEA Meeting
Ahead of the upcoming meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, the ambassadors of Iran, China, and Russia coordinated their positions and met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. The meeting served as an opportunity to discuss the agenda for the upcoming meeting, which will be held at the Vienna International Center (VIC) from November 19 to 21.
November 18, 2025
Međimurska Popevka Conquers Vienna: Historic Concert in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein
A touch of Croatian tradition and deeply felt emotions filled the venerable Golden Hall of the Vienna Musikverein, one of the world's most prestigious concert halls. The traditional vocal form of Međimurska popevka celebrated its triumphant debut under the title “A Tribute to Međimurska Popevka” (Počast međimurskoj popevki), marking a cultural milestone for the Međimurje region and Croatia as a whole.
November 18, 2025
Charges Against Officials of the Syrian Assad Regime in Vienna
The Austrian judiciary has brought charges against two former high-ranking representatives of the Syrian Assad regime. They are accused of serious crimes against humanity, including grievous bodily harm, sexual assault, and systematic torture of detained civilians in Syria. The proceedings are based on the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows such atrocities to be prosecuted regardless of where they were committed.
November 17, 2025
New U.S. Ambassador Art Fisher Arrives in Vienna
The new Ambassador of the United States of America to Austria, Arthur “Art” Fisher, has arrived in Vienna and officially taken up his post. Upon his arrival at Vienna Airport, the real estate entrepreneur from North Carolina emphasized the importance of the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
November 16, 2025
Chinese Embassy in Vienna Hosts Symposium on the 80th Anniversary of Taiwan's Return
A symposium marking the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's return to China was held at the Chinese Embassy in Austria. The event, attended by Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Zheng Xuan and representatives of the Chinese community in Austria, including compatriots from Taiwan, served to reaffirm China's position on the Taiwan issue and coincided with a series of similar commemorative events in China and other embassies around the world.
November 16, 2025
Unveiling of the Habsburg Jewelry Treasure Raises Legal Questions
The recently discovered Habsburg jewel treasure, including the legendary 137-carat Florentine Diamond, is not only causing a stir in aristocratic circles but also heated debates about ownership. For the emperor's grandson Karl Habsburg, the case is clear: it is “quite clearly the private property” of the family.
November 13, 2025
Austria's Defense Evolves: Neutrality, Threats, and the Future of the Military
The geopolitical situation in Europe is coming to a head, and Austria's traditional neutrality is more than ever at the center of a heated debate about the country's future defense capabilities. To better understand this area of tension, it is essential to examine the fundamentals, capabilities, and geopolitical role of the Austrian Armed Forces (ÖBH). This has already been discussed frequently in the media and paints a sobering picture.
November 13, 2025
STRABAG's Order Backlog Exceeds 30 Billion Mark for the First Time
The listed construction services technology group STRABAG SE reached a historic milestone in the first nine months of 2025: its order backlog rose by a remarkable 24 percent to a new record level of EUR 31.4 billion.
November 13, 2025
25 Years of the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation: Transatlantic Bridge for Science and Innovation
The Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary at TUtheSky at the Vienna University of Technology. Under the motto “25 Years of Transatlantic Exchange,” the foundation brought together high-ranking representatives from politics, science, diplomacy, and numerous alumni to honor a quarter-century of successful transatlantic knowledge transfer between Austria and the United States.
November 13, 2025
Meet Secretary General of AmCham, Karin Zeltner, the Bridge Builder for Transatlantic Relations
The American Chamber of Commerce in Austria (AmCham) has had a new Secretary General for some time now: Karin Zeltner. Born in Vienna in 1982, the expert is taking up her post at a time when transatlantic trade relations are not only of crucial importance to the Austrian economy, but are also significantly affected by the tariff dispute between the EU and the US.
November 11, 2025
Austria's Historical Responsibility: 30 Years of the National Fund and the Promise of “Never Forget”
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen reaffirmed the country's ongoing responsibility for Nazi crimes. The federal government and the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG) are also intensifying their joint fight against anti-Semitism in view of the alarmingly high number of incidents.
November 11, 2025
Meet Zenon Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland's Experienced Diplomat and Ambassador to Austria
Poland is relying on an experienced diplomat in Vienna in Zenon Henryk Kosiniak-Kamysz, who holds the office of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland to Austria, having already served as chargé d'affaires in Vienna since October 2024.
November 10, 2025
The Magnificent Villa Andrássy at Hohe Warte in Vienna is up for Sale for €18 Million
The Vienna real estate scene is currently being shaken up by a spectacular sales announcement: the magnificent Villa Andrássy in the exclusive Döbling cottage area, Hohe Warte, is up for sale. The asking price for the historic property, which is considered an architectural masterpiece, is €18.5 million.
November 10, 2025
Former President Fischer Calls for Recognition of Palestine and Criticizes Israel's Warfare
Former Austrian President Heinz Fischer's recent comments on Middle East policy and Austria's role in the world have once again caused a stir in Austrian politics and diplomacy. In conversations with several media outlets, the long-standing SPÖ politician not only called on the federal government to demonstrate its neutrality more strongly, but also urged a change of course in Middle East policy: Austria should recognize the state of Palestine, thereby causing a diplomatic scandal.
November 7, 2025
DSN Uncovers Hamas Weapons Cache in Vienna
The Directorate for State Security and Intelligence (DSN) has dealt a significant blow to a global terrorist organization with ties to Hamas as part of internationally coordinated investigations: a weapons cache was uncovered in Vienna. There is a strong suspicion that the weapons were intended for use in planned terrorist attacks in Europe against Israeli or Jewish institutions.
November 7, 2025
Vienna Stock Exchange Launches CEE Thematic Indices on AI, Defense, and Ukraine's Reconstruction
The Vienna Stock Exchange (VSE) is reinforcing its role as a specialist for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and has expanded its index offering with three new, thematically focused benchmarks. The indices, which reflect the currently popular investment themes of digitalization, security, and reconstruction, are now being calculated. They offer investors the opportunity to invest specifically in companies in the CEE region that are expected to benefit from these long-term trends.
November 5, 2025
Austrian Foreign Minister in Egypt for Peace Diplomacy
The Egyptian capital was the setting for a unique event that linked the past and the future. While the grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza celebrated the country's rich history, Cairo was also at the center of intense diplomatic efforts to achieve stability and peace in the Middle East.
November 5, 2025
French Ambassador Peyraud Strengthens Relations in Salzburg and Klagenfurt
Ambassador Matthieu Peyraud of the Republic of France to Austria made two important visits to the provinces of Salzburg and Carinthia in the fall of 2025 to further deepen political, economic, and cultural ties between France and Austria. The focus of the visits was on the region's economic potential and on opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Carinthia and Salzburg with France. These efforts by France and Austria to strengthen their bilateral relations were also initiated by a French Senate delegation's visit to Vienna, and France's interest in the “Vienna model” of social housing is also growing.
November 4, 2025
UK Embassy in Vienna Celebrates Trafalgar Night with Dignitaries from the Austrian Ministry of Defence
The traditional Trafalgar Night Dinner at the British Embassy in Vienna was a special sign of the bond between Austria and Great Britain. The celebrations honored the legendary victory of the British Navy in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and its hero, Admiral Lord Nelson. Ambassador Lindsay Skoll and Defense Attaché Ewan Harris welcomed Austria's Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner and senior representatives from the Austrian Ministry of Defense.
November 3, 2025
Bridge to Riyadh: 15th Arab-Austrian Economic Forum Highlights “Vision 2030”
The 15th Arab-Austrian Economic Forum, organized by the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) and the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), serves as a central platform for deepening economic relations between Austria and Saudi Arabia in light of Saudi Vision 2030.
October 30, 2025
19th ESPI Autumn Conference at Vienna City Hall: “Europe as a Space Power”
The call for European autonomy and resilience in a rapidly changing global landscape dominated the 19th Autumn Conference of the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI). Under the ambitious motto “Europe as a Space Power – Direction and Priorities for Strategic Action,” European and international stakeholders gathered at the magnificent Vienna City Hall on October 28 and 29, 2025, to discuss concrete ways to strengthen Europe's position in space.
October 29, 2025
Stocker and Weißmann in Favor of Israel's Participation in the Song Contest
The question of Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 in Vienna continues to cause international controversy and political debate. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and ORF Director General Roland Weißmann have now spoken out clearly and unequivocally in favor of Israel's participation, citing Austria's historical responsibility.
October 29, 2025
Vienna's UNO Square Becomes a Memorial: “Flower of Srebrenica” Monument Unveiled
On United Nations Day, the “Flower of Srebrenica” memorial was ceremoniously unveiled on United Nations Square in Vienna-Donaustadt. Located directly in front of the UN building, the monument is a permanent symbol of remembrance for the victims of the genocide of Bosniaks in Srebrenica in July 1995 and a warning against forgetting.
October 27, 2025
German President Steinmeier Opens New German Embassy in Vienna and Calls for “Reinventing Europe”
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier concluded his three-day state visit to Austria. The focus of the visit was the official opening of the new German Embassy building in Vienna, accompanied by an urgent appeal to Europeans to reinvent the continent in the face of emerging geopolitical challenges.
October 26, 2025
High-Level Conference in Vienna Highlights the Strategic Realignment of the Caucasus and Central Asia
A high-level international conference entitled “Shifting Grounds: The Caucasus, Central Asia, and Europe in a New Global Order” was held at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, jointly organized by the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) and the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC). The conference focused on how profound geopolitical shifts are redefining the global balance of power and the strategic role of the Caucasus and Central Asia.
October 23, 2025
Former FPÖ Politician Jenewein Becomes Press Spokesman for the German AfD
The AfD faction in the Thuringian state parliament has made a prominent and controversial personnel decision. Former Austrian FPÖ National Council member Hans-Jörg Jenewein is taking over the position of press spokesman for the faction.
October 23, 2025
Meet Portugal's New Top Representative in Vienna, Jorge Manuel da Silva Lopes
The experienced diplomat and former ambassador to Croatia takes on the key role of Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.
October 21, 2025
Novartis Opens Second Biotech Facility in Austria
The pharmaceutical company Novartis has commissioned its second state-of-the-art cell culture facility for the production of monoclonal antibodies in Kundl (Kufstein district). The opening of the facility, which has been invested in with a total of €500 million, along with its sister facility in Schaftenau (Kufstein district), which opened in June 2024, is seen as a strong signal for the Austrian life sciences sector. With this expansion, Novartis is creating around 100 new jobs in Kundl and strengthening its global production capacity.
October 21, 2025
Van der Bellen in the Baltic States: Strong Words for Europe's Security at the EU's External Border
The multi-day trip to the Baltic states by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, together with Doris Schmidauer, began in Lithuania and highlighted the central role of European security and the strengthening of economic relations in the region.
October 20, 2025
Austria's Diplomatic Offensive: Meinl-Reisinger Promotes UN Security Council Seat and New Partnerships Among Non-Aligned Countries
During her first trip to Africa following the adoption of Austria's new national Africa strategy, Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger promoted a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in Kampala, Uganda. In addition to diplomacy, the talks at the summit meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement focused on harnessing Africa's enormous economic potential and strengthening cooperation in the fight against illegal migration.
October 16, 2025
Austria at the Center of a Global Surveillance Scandal Involving Celebrities, Politicians, and Red Bull Executives
An international investigation by the "Surveillance Secrets" consortium has uncovered the largest known data set in the global surveillance industry to date and shines a spotlight on the allegedly illegal activities of the Indonesian company First Wap. Over the years, thousands of people worldwide have been secretly tracked and monitored, including Austrian singer Wolfgang Ambros, Hollywood actor Jared Leto, and numerous employees of the Red Bull Group.
October 16, 2025
Putin Appoints Andrei Grosov as Russia's New Ambassador to Vienna
Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed 64-year-old diplomat Andrei Grosov as the new ambassador of the Russian Federation to Austria. Grosov, a career diplomat who has worked in the foreign ministries of the Soviet Union and Russia since 1983, takes up the post in Vienna at a time when he is expected to navigate difficult relations.
October 16, 2025
Meet Simon Biedermann, Liechtenstein's New Ambassador in Vienna
The Principality of Liechtenstein has a new ambassador in Vienna. Diplomat Simon Biedermann has presented his credentials and now represents the Principality in Austria, Czechia, at the UN, and at the OSCE.
October 13, 2025
Young Polish Talents Impress in Vienna with a Musical Bridge from Baroque to Pop
The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Vienna hosted the third edition of the successful concert series “Young Polish Artists – From Baroque to Pop.” The event, which filled the hall, once again demonstrated the extraordinary musical talent and stylistic range of the young generation of Polish artists.
October 13, 2025
China's Ambassador Qi Mei Meets with Minister Hanke to Discuss Infrastructure and the Silk Road Initiative
Cooperation between China and Austria in important future-oriented areas was the focus of a meeting in Vienna between Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) and Chinese Ambassador H.E. Qi Mei.
October 12, 2025
Hattmannsdorfer Calls for Tough EU Action Against Hungary's Special Tax
Austria's Minister of Economic Affairs is urging Brussels to take Hungary to the European Court of Justice because the special tax imposed by Budapest burdens international retail chains such as Spar and Hofer with a discriminatory levy of up to 4.5 percent of net sales.
October 12, 2025
Russian Duma Seals Withdrawal From Plutonium Agreement with the U.S.
The lower house of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, voted to withdraw Russia completely from a key nuclear disarmament treaty with the United States. The Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA), which regulates the destruction of large quantities of weapons-grade plutonium, is now finally history.
October 8, 2025
Meet Ambassador Eduardo Paes Saboia, Brazil's Leading Diplomat in Vienna
Ambassador Eduardo Paes Saboia is Brazil's ambassador to Austria and Brazil's permanent representative to the United Nations in Vienna (UNOV). An experienced diplomat and expert in international and multilateral relations, he enriches the diplomatic community in Vienna.
October 7, 2025
Croatian Businesses Showcase Their Activities at Schönbrunn Palace
The Croatian Economy Day took place in the imperial setting of the Gloriette in Schönbrunn Palace Park. Over 200 guests took the opportunity to engage in direct dialogue with around 40 Croatian companies. The event, organized by the representative office of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK) in Vienna, once again underscored the close and growing economic partnership between Austria and Croatia.
October 6, 2025
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