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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
New Bankruptcy in the Signa Group: Signa Development Icon GmbH Will not be Continued
The economic turbulence surrounding the Signa Group shows no sign of abating. The creditor protection association Creditreform announced that Signa Development Icon GmbH has filed for bankruptcy proceedings, which will not be continued in the future. "The Icon Vienna" houses prominent companies and diplomatic missions and is a subsidiary of the Signa Development Selection AG, which had previously filed for insolvency.
November 11, 2024
Focus on Environmental Disasters: Austria and Italy Intensify Cooperation in Environmental Monitoring
At the Italian Embassy in Vienna, international experts and representatives from politics, science, and civil protection discussed innovative methods for monitoring environmental disasters. The event emphasized the urgency of cross-sectoral cooperation and the exchange of scientific findings to overcome global environmental crises.
November 10, 2024
Austria's National Bank Chief: Budget Coffers are Filling Up Again
Robert Holzmann, Governor of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank, sees the high inflation of recent years as a major challenge for Austrian savers. Now that salaries have risen and household budgets are being replenished, he nevertheless urges caution. For a sustainable economic upturn, he says, consumer and investor confidence is essential.
November 10, 2024
62nd Round of Geneva Talks: Progress and Challenges in the Dialogue on the Conflicts in the South Caucasus
Delegations gathered at the Palais des Nations on November 5 and 6, 2024 for the 62nd round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) on the unresolved conflicts in the South Caucasus. The Geneva talks, which have been convened since 2008 following the Georgian-Russian war, provide a platform for dialog and diplomatic exchange between Georgia, Russia, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and representatives of the EU, OSCE, and the United Nations.
November 6, 2024
New EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner Approved by EU Parliament
The European Parliament has officially confirmed Magnus Brunner, the Austrian Minister of Finance (ÖVP), as the new EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration. During the hearings, Brunner presented his vision for the migration portfolio and caused a stir with his support for the full inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen area. With this approach, Brunner departs from the previous ÖVP position and sends a clear signal for increased European cooperation in migration policy.
November 6, 2024
Austrian Construction Group Strabag Fined Millions in Germany for Cartel Agreements
Austria's largest construction group, STRABAG SE, is again in the headlines due to cartel allegations. The German Federal Cartel Office has imposed a hefty fine of 2.79 million euros on STRABAG AG, a subsidiary of STRABAG SE, headquartered in Cologne. The reason for the fine is an illegal bidding agreement in connection with the renovation of the famous Zoobrücke bridge in Cologne.
November 6, 2024
Intense Debates and Optimistic Solutions at the Vienna Migration Conference 2024
The annual Vienna Migration Conference (VMC), organized by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), took place at Palais Liechtenstein and brought together more than 300 leading representatives from politics, academia, business, and civil society to debate current and future challenges in migration policy.
November 4, 2024
Brunner Faces Challenge at EU Hearing: Focus on Migration and Changing Schengen Position
The week of hearings for the candidates for the new EU Commission under the leadership of President Ursula von der Leyen begins in Brussels. The candidates face intensive scrutiny by the European Parliament. Austria's candidate, the current Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP), will face the questions and must in particular prove his suitability for his new migration portfolio.
November 4, 2024
Orbán's Controversial Visit to Vienna: Talks, Alliances and Criticism
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's visit to Vienna caused a stir across Europe and highlighted the ideological tensions within the EU. His meetings with FPÖ representatives and the discussions about the war in Ukraine and the future of Europe divided opinion between supporters of national sovereignty and advocates of European integration.
November 3, 2024
OPEC+ Extends Oil Production Cuts by One Month
OPEC+ has decided to extend the voluntary production cuts since November 2023 by 2.2 million barrels per day until the end of December 2024.
November 3, 2024
Austria's Wooden Ribbon: A Symbol of Innovation for the Expo 2025
Austria is preparing for Expo 2025 in Osaka and recently presented the centerpiece of its pavilion in Lower Austria: a spiral-shaped wooden loop that symbolizes the motto “Composing the Future”. This impressive sculpture stands for Austrian craftsmanship and the strong connection to Japan, which is to be further strengthened by the Expo.
October 31, 2024
Anti-Semitism in Austria: IKG Records Dramatic Increase in Anti-Semitic Incidents
The Jewish Community Vienna (IKG) warns of a worrying increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Austria. In the first half of 2024, the IKG's anti-Semitism reporting office registered a total of 808 anti-Semitic attacks and threats - an increase of around 160 percent compared to the previous year.
October 30, 2024
Raiffeisen Bank International: Consolidated Profit Excluding Belarus, Russia at 856 Million Euros
Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) is successfully continuing its strategy of reducing risks in challenging markets and was able to present a solid performance for the first nine months of this year despite the withdrawal from Russia and Belarus. Adjusted consolidated profit, which was calculated without contributions from these two countries, amounted to EUR 856 million. RBI thus remains stable, while at the same time implementing its withdrawal plan from the Russian business.
October 29, 2024
Moldova and the UAE Launch Space Technology Projects with UNOOSA and MBRSC
In a major international collaboration, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced the winners of the second round of the Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI): the Technical University of Moldova (TUM) and the start-up Madari Space Limited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
October 29, 2024
OPEC Fund Intensifies Global Development Cooperation with New Financing Commitments
The OPEC Fund for International Development has announced significant financing commitments of around half a billion US dollars at the 2024 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings to support climate action, food security, and infrastructure in various partner countries.
October 28, 2024
AUA Flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran Remain Suspended Due to Escalating Tensions
Austrian Airlines (AUA) is extending the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran due to the uncertain situation in the Middle East. Connections to the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv are expected to remain suspended until November 25, while flights to Tehran will be canceled until the end of November.
October 28, 2024
Maria Todorova and Balkan Research: “Mission Possible” in Vienna
Renowned historian Maria Todorova held a series of lectures in Vienna entitled “The Balkans: Mission Possible”, in which she presented new perspectives on the complex history and culture of the Balkans. The lectures, part of the IWM Lectures in Human Sciences, challenged common stereotypes and highlighted the region as a dynamic and culturally rich area.
October 27, 2024
Georgian Parliamentary Elections Characterized by Unevenness and Tension
Widespread tensions, political polarization, and numerous concerns about fairness marked the recent parliamentary elections in Georgia. While voters had a choice of 18 parties and lists, international election observers, including the OSCE and the Council of Europe, criticized the conditions as unequal and prone to manipulation. In particular, the controversial Foreign Influence Transparency Act, introduced shortly before the elections, exacerbated the conflict and significantly impaired the independence of civil society.
October 27, 2024
Magnus Brunner Pleads for Schengen Accession of Bulgaria and Romania
In a published document, the designated EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, has spoken out clearly in favor of Bulgaria and Romania's full admission to the Schengen area. Brunner emphasized that both countries meet all the necessary conditions for accession and called for the EU Council to abolish the remaining border controls.
October 24, 2024
Austria's State Security: Increasing Threat of Terrorism in Europe Since the Hamas Attack
In the last twelve months, the threat of planned terrorist attacks in Europe has increased significantly. The Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) reported a fivefold increase in the number of detected attack plans since 7 October 2023, when the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel. This development underlines the increasing security threat in Europe, particularly concerning geopolitical tensions.
October 23, 2024
Discussion on the Sobieski Monument in Vienna Continues
The discussion about a monument to King Jan III Sobieski in Vienna has picked up speed again. Since 2013, there have been calls for a monument to be erected on the Kahlenberg to the Polish king, who played a key role in saving Vienna from the Ottoman siege in 1683. Despite the failure of these efforts to date, in September 2024 the Polish embassy once again appealed to the relevant authorities to pay due tribute to this important chapter in European history.
October 21, 2024
Austria Strengthens Partnership With Yad Vashem in the Fight Against Anti-Semitism
Dani Dayan, Chairman of the Jerusalem Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem, visited Vienna to strengthen the close partnership between Israel and Austria. Dayan met with both Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Both emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in the fight against anti-Semitism and in preserving the memory of the Shoah.
October 20, 2024
Austrian Defence Minister Tanner and European Consensus on Continuation of UNIFIL Mission in Lebanon
The UNIFIL mission in Lebanon, which has been in operation since 1978, is to continue despite increasing attacks. The European troop contributors reaffirm their support to ensure stability and humanitarian aid.
October 16, 2024
Austria Excludes Solo Withdrawal from UNIFIL Mission in Lebanon
The escalation in southern Lebanon poses a significant threat to stability in the region, with UNIFIL continuing to attempt to maintain its security and observation mission despite the ongoing attacks. Austria's Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner has ruled out a withdrawal of Austrian blue helmets in Lebanon on her own.
October 15, 2024
Austrian Airlines Extends Flight Suspension to Tehran and Tel Aviv
Due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Austrian Airlines (AUA) has decided to suspend flights to Tehran and Tel Aviv until at least the end of October.
October 15, 2024
Palestine Congress in Vienna Causes Controversy and Criticism
The Palestine Congress, which had already caused a great deal of controversy in the run-up to the event, was moved at short notice from Vienna-Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus to Favoriten. The event will take place in a hall in Kudlichgasse shortly before the anniversary of the devastating Hamas attack on Israel.
October 5, 2024
Vienna: The Best City Destination in Europe for Americans
Vienna has once again proven that it is undisputed as a world-class travel destination. Readers of the renowned luxury and lifestyle magazine “Condé Nast Traveler” voted the Austrian capital the best European travel destination in this year's “Readers' Choice Awards” 2024.
October 5, 2024
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Ian Borg on Strengthening the Organization during the UN General Assembly
The Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Maltese Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, took the opportunity of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York to address the most pressing challenges facing the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in a series of meetings. The central themes of his discussions with high-ranking representatives of various states revolved around ensuring the OSCE's ability to function in the face of global and regional tensions as well as financial and personnel difficulties.
October 3, 2024
Triumph of the FPÖ: Herbert Kickl in the Contest for the Chancellorship
The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) celebrated a historic victory in the 2024 national elections with 29% of the vote, led by Herbert Kickl. The FPÖ leader, who speaks of an “Orbanization” of Austria, is demanding the chancellorship, but his chances of forming a government remain uncertain. Despite his success, Kickl has met with resistance from potential coalition partners, particularly the ÖVP.
October 2, 2024
Jewish Community in Austria Deeply Concerned about the FPÖ's Election Victory
The disturbing election victory of the right-wing populist FPÖ in the parliamentary elections in Austria has alarmed the Jewish community. Oskar Deutsch, President of the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG), expressed his deep concern in a statement.
October 2, 2024
Signa Insolvency: Controversial Loan from the Laura Private Foundation
The insolvency of Signa, under the leadership of René Benko, continues to cause a stir. Particularly controversial is a loan that the Laura Private Foundation, which Benko and his mother back, granted to Signa Holding six weeks before the insolvency filing in November 2023. Trustee in bankruptcy Christof Stapf considers the transaction detrimental to the holding company and seeks to have it set aside by the court and claim damages.
September 26, 2024
Finland Takes Over OSCE Chairmanship in 2025: Focus on Resilience and Support for Ukraine
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen outlined Finland's priorities for the OSCE Chairmanship in 2025 to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna. Finland's approach is based on three central pillars: resilience, support for Ukraine and upholding OSCE principles that have been violated by Russia's actions. This comes at a time when the European security architecture is under severe pressure.
September 25, 2024
Strengthening Sino-Austrian Relations: Ambassador QI Mei Meets Graz Mayor Elke Kahr
The Chinese Ambassador to Austria, QI Mei, and the Mayor of Graz, Elke Kahr, met at Graz City Hall. This official visit underlines the importance of bilateral relations between China and Austria, particularly at local level and in terms of economic, cultural and tourism cooperation.
September 25, 2024
Austria's Schallenberg and Ukraine's Sybiha with Talks on Solidarity and Peace
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha met in Vienna. This visit marked a key moment in Sybiha's first trip abroad, during which he represented Ukraine in neighboring countries. Having already visited Romania, Sybiha's tour now took him to Austria, where the focus was on support for Ukraine and the international peace process.
September 24, 2024
Global Peace Photo Award 2024: “Dreams of Childhood” Honored as Peace Photo of the Year
The Global Peace Photo Award ceremony took place in the Austrian Parliament. The peace photo of the year 2024, “Dreams of Childhood”, by photographer and multimedia artist Elisa Iannacone from the UK, was honored.
September 24, 2024
Glock Ecotech Delivers Green Energy to Japan to Promote Sustainability
The Austrian company Glock Ecotech has secured an important project in Japan. As part of a partnership with the Japanese company Eishin Co., Ltd., Glock Ecotech supplies 18 modern Glock CHP 50 thermal power plants to Tokamachi in Niigata Prefecture. This major project will start in the first half of 2025 and marks an important step in Japan's efforts to reduce fossil fuels and become climate-neutral.
September 24, 2024
OPEC Celebrates 64 Years of Shaping the Global Oil Industry
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) marked a significant milestone this September as it celebrated its 64th anniversary. For more than six decades, OPEC has played a crucial role in stabilizing the global oil market, fostering international cooperation, and championing the sovereignty of oil-producing nations over their natural resources.
September 19, 2024
Magnus Brunner Becomes EU Migration Commissioner: A Challenge for the ÖVP and Europe
From the world of finance to migration – Austria's outgoing Finance Minister Magnus Brunner is taking on one of the toughest jobs in the European Union: EU Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs. This decision has sparked both surprise and skepticism, especially within Austrian politics and the media.
September 19, 2024
Japan's Rohto Pharmaceutical Invests in Austrian Sigmapharm
In a move to enhance pharmaceutical production in Europe, Japan’s Rohto Pharmaceutical has entered into a strategic partnership with the Austrian Sigmapharm Group. The collaboration aims to expand the production and distribution of ophthalmic drugs and medical products across Europe, with Rohto Pharmaceutical investing nearly €30 million in research, development, production, and sales.
September 18, 2024
Record Rainfalls Caused Flood Disaster in Austria
Over the past few days, Austria has experienced extreme rainfall that has broken numerous rainfall records and led to widespread flooding. The federal states of Lower Austria, Upper Austria, and Vienna were particularly affected, with many weather stations recording several hundred millimeters of rain in just a few days.
September 17, 2024
OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum 2024: Focus on Digitalization and Climate Protection
The 31st OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum at the Czernin Palace in Prague focused on the global challenges posed by digital transformation and climate change. Under the theme “Strengthening security and stability in the OSCE area through digital innovation”, the risks and opportunities arising from technological change and climate adaptation were discussed in depth. The forum brought together high-level representatives from governments, international organizations, academia, business, and civil society to debate innovative approaches and policy solutions.
September 17, 2024
IAEA Holds 68th General Assembly in Vienna
The 68th General Assembly of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna has begun, providing an important platform for exchanges between member states on nuclear safety, non-proliferation, and sustainable development. In addition to discussing global issues of nuclear safety and climate change, numerous heads of state and government are taking the opportunity to hold bilateral talks.
September 17, 2024
Austria Opens Embassy in Ghana: Strengthening Relations, Promoting Security and Economic Potential
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg traveled to the Ghanaian capital Accra to open the new Austrian embassy and deepen bilateral relations between Austria and Ghana. In addition to the opening ceremony, the agenda included meetings with Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, Foreign Minister Shirley Botchwey, and representatives from both countries' business and cultural sectors.
September 15, 2024
Arab Diplomats Visit Burgenland to Promote Renewable Energies
In a major initiative to strengthen bilateral relations between Austria and the Arab world, the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) together with Energie Burgenland welcomed a high-ranking delegation of Arab ambassadors and diplomats to Burgenland. The focus of the event was on progress in the field of renewable energies and sustainable development.
September 15, 2024
China Ambassador to Austria Qi Mei in the “Press Salon” of the Austrian Journalists' Club
China's Ambassador Qi Mei was a guest at the “Press Salon” event at the invitation of the Austrian Journalists' Club (ÖJC). In the presence of journalists from well-known media such as “Der Standard” and ORF, Qi Mei took the opportunity to talk about China's current economic and political developments as well as relations with Austria.
September 12, 2024
Gas Extraction in Upper Austria: Opportunities and Challenges for ADX Energy's Test Drillings
The planned natural gas extraction in Upper Austria is causing controversy. While the Australian company ADX Energy sees gas as a contribution to national energy independence, environmentalists warn of the ecological and climate policy consequences of new fossil fuel projects.
September 12, 2024
Vienna Receives Slovakian President: Deepening Relations and Discussion on Sanctions
Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini visited Austria as part of his official inaugural visit. It was his fourth bilateral trip to one of Slovakia's neighboring countries, having previously visited the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary.
September 11, 2024
Vienna to Become a Center for Financial Technology: AFT 2024 International Conference
Vienna will once again become the international hub for innovative financial technologies in September 2024. From September 23 to 25, 2024, the sixth edition of the Advances in Financial Technologies (AFT) conference will take place at the Austrian National Bank (OeNB).
September 11, 2024
Foreign Currency Loans in Austria Fall to New Low in Q2 2024
The market for foreign currency loans in Austria continues to decline sharply. The Financial Market Authority (FMA) published a new survey for the second quarter of 2024, which shows a further significant decline in the outstanding volume of such loans.
September 11, 2024
Fighting Hunger with Innovation: Kofi Annan Award for Africa
The second presentation of the Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa has now taken place at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. The award recognizes digital and technological solutions to improve food security and the fight against hunger in Africa. In this edition, the focus was on SDG 2 - “No Hunger”.
September 9, 2024
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