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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
AI Action Summit in Paris: Strengthening International Cooperation
The Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, held in Paris on February 10 and 11, brought together world leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the future of AI. As artificial intelligence continues to shape economies, industries, and societies worldwide, the summit aimed to establish a collaborative and ethical framework for its development. At the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg and State Secretary for Digitalization Claudia Plakolm participated in the discussions.
February 12, 2025
European Commission Sues Seven Member States Including Austria for Failure to Implement the NPL Directive
The European Commission has filed a complaint against Austria and six other EU Member States with the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The reason: these countries have not transposed the EU Non-Performing Loans (NPL) Directive into national law on time.
February 12, 2025
Steyr Arms Pushes Expansion - Austria as a Location in Danger?
The Austrian arms manufacturer Steyr Arms, part of the Czech investment group RSBC since 2024, is planning extensive expansion in the US and European markets. At the same time, the site in Austria is coming under pressure as export licenses are being delayed. While the company management wants to secure the future of the traditional business with new strategic decisions, a relocation could be considered.
February 11, 2025
Chancellor and Foreign Minister Schallenberg Met with "Friends of the Western Balkans" Group and Prime Minister Meloni in Rome
Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg reaffirmed Austria's commitment to regional stability and European unity during meetings in Rome. Engaging with both the "Friends of the Western Balkans" group and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Schallenberg emphasized the strategic importance of EU enlargement and the necessity of fostering robust bilateral relations with key European partners.
February 10, 2025
Austrian National Council President Engages in Dialogue with Ukrainian Parliament Speaker
Austrian National Council President Walter Rosenkranz and Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament Ruslan Stefantschuk recently held a video conference to discuss the pressing issues surrounding Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
February 10, 2025
Austria Opens New Cultural Forum in Sofia
The Austrian Cultural Forum was officially opened in Sofia. With the inauguration of this new center for art and culture, Austria is sending a further signal for bilateral exchange with Bulgaria and for its commitment to cultural diplomacy.
February 7, 2025
A Sign of Friendship: The New Year's Meeting of the Austrian-Polish Society in Vienna
Bilateral relations between Austria and Poland are an important pillar of European cooperation and thrive not only through diplomatic meetings, but also through cultural and scientific exchange. The New Year's meeting of the Austrian-Polish Society in Vienna was an impressive example of how tradition and a vision for the future come together in a festive setting.
February 6, 2025
Chinese New Year Celebrations Strengthen Chinese-Austrian Friendship
The Chinese New Year was celebrated in Vienna with festive events underscoring the close diplomatic and cultural ties between China and Austria. The celebrations attracted not only high-ranking political representatives but also numerous members of the Chinese community and interested Viennese.
February 5, 2025
Raiffeisen Bank International: Profit Slump due to Provisions for Russia
Raiffeisen Bank International's consolidated profit decreased by over 50% in 2024 due to a €840 million provision from a Russian court ruling, which ordered the bank to pay EUR 2 billion in damages.
February 4, 2025
Slovenia Takes over the Presidency of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River
Slovenia has officially assumed the presidency of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) for 2025. Dr. Lidija Globevnik, Director-General of the Slovenian Water and Marine Directorate at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, succeeds the previous Slovak President, Vladimír Novák. The annual rotation of the presidency highlights the ICPDR's ongoing commitment to sustainable and coordinated water management in the Danube region.
February 3, 2025
Poland as a New Military Power in Europe: A Bulwark against Russia and a New Strategic Leadership Role in the EU
In recent years, Poland has developed into one of Europe's most important defense powers. Given the ongoing threat from Russia, Warsaw is focusing on a massive rearmament, stronger military cooperation with allies, and an active role in European security policy. By assuming the EU Council Presidency in January 2025, Poland will also have the opportunity to anchor its security policy priorities at the European level and set a new security policy course.
February 2, 2025
Poland Takes Over EU Council Presidency: Ceremonial Opening by Polish Embassy in Vienna
The Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union was ceremoniously opened in the magnificent ballroom of Vienna City Hall by the Polish Embassy in Vienna. Around 180 high-ranking guests from politics, diplomacy, business, and society took part in the festive event, which marked a symbolic start to Poland's six-month term at the head of the Council of the European Union.
February 2, 2025
Suspected Terrorist from Austria: Investigation into Mecca Attack Raises Questions
The Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) has announced that no suspicious data was found on the seized laptop belonging to Hasan E., a 20-year-old from Lower Austria who allegedly carried out a terrorist attack in Mecca in March 2024. At the same time, the authorities rejected accusations that errors were made in the investigation.
February 2, 2025
OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu Completed First Official Visits
Türkiye's top diplomat, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, has been appointed the new Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). He will take office at the beginning of 2025 and will lead the world's largest regional security organization during a time of global crises and geopolitical tensions. The unanimous election of the 57 OSCE member states underlines the international trust in his many years of experience and diplomatic expertise.
January 29, 2025
Ex-ÖBB Boss Christian Kern Criticizes German Railways: “It Will Never Work Out Like This”
The ongoing problems at Deutsche Bahn (DB) are again causing sharp criticism. This time, the former head of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and former Chancellor of Austria, Christian Kern, is unusually outspoken about the situation of the German state-owned company.
January 29, 2025
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong Meets Austrian Chancellor Schallenberg in Vienna
Austria's Foreign Minister and interim Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg received his Australian counterpart Penny Wong for a bilateral working meeting in Vienna. This high-level visit marks another milestone in the strategic cooperation between Austria and Australia, which has been steadily deepening since the signing of the Agreement on Strategic Cooperation (ASCo) in 2021.
January 28, 2025
Austrian Citizen in Custody for Knife Attack in Mecca
Saudi Arabia confirms the arrest of a 20-year-old Austrian from the district of Bruck an der Leitha — the charge: a knife attack in front of the holy Al-Haram mosque in Mecca. But the story goes further - to foiled plans to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna.
January 28, 2025
Bitpanda Receives EU-Wide MiCAR License and Plans Further Growth
The Viennese crypto platform Bitpanda is one of the first companies to receive the coveted MiCAR license. This license, issued by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), has been fully valid since January 2025 and enables crypto service providers to operate their business within the European Union under a uniform legal framework.
January 27, 2025
Talks Between Austria and the Taliban on Deportations to Afghanistan
The Austrian Ministry of the Interior has held talks at the official level with representatives of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to explore the possibility of returning rejected asylum seekers. A delegation consisting of two high-ranking officials from the ministry was in the Afghan capital Kabul for this purpose.
January 24, 2025
Rene Benko Arrested: From “Wunderwuzzi” to the Protagonist of a Billion-Dollar Scandal
Rene Benko, once a celebrated real estate entrepreneur and founder of the Signa Group, was arrested at his villa in Innsbruck. The Public Prosecutor's Office for Economic Affairs and Corruption (WKStA) in Vienna justified the arrest warrant because of the risk of concealment and the commission of a crime. Benko is suspected of concealing assets and manipulating evidence. His arrest marks the climax of one of the biggest business scandals in Austrian history.
January 24, 2025
EU Stops Erasmus Funding for Modul University in Vienna
The EU Commission has decided to withdraw funding from the Erasmus exchange program at Modul Private University in Vienna. The reason for this is the ownership structure of the university: 90 percent of it is owned by a Hungarian foundation, which is subordinate to the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) think tank. This is seen as a cadre factory of the Hungarian government under Viktor Orbán.
January 23, 2025
Meet the Ambassador of the French Republic to the Republic of Austria
Matthieu Peyraud, France's Ambassador presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen in Vienna. Meet Matthieu Peyraud the ambassador of the French Republic to Austria.
January 21, 2025
Austria Signs Letter of Intent for Southern Hydrogen Corridor
In a pioneering initiative, Austria, Italy, Germany, Algeria, and Tunisia signed a declaration of intent for the construction of the “SouthH2 Corridor” in Rome today. This pioneering infrastructure project will transport green hydrogen from North Africa to Europe over a distance of 3,300 kilometers and make the continent's energy supply more sustainable and independent.
January 21, 2025
AUA to Fly to Tel Aviv Again from February
After a longer break, Austrian Airlines (AUA) will resume flight operations to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv from February 1, 2025. This decision was announced in a company press release on Thursday and affects the entire Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings in addition to AUA. The resumption of flights to Tel Aviv signals a certain easing of the security situation in the region but remains characterized by caution.
January 21, 2025
Austria and Ukraine Deepen Partnership in Culture, Education and Science
Ambassador Christoph Thun-Hohenstein, Head of the Section for Foreign Culture at the Austrian Foreign Ministry, and Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Khymynets sealed a forward-looking agreement with a handshake. For the first time, a comprehensive bilateral work program for cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and science was adopted. At a time of geopolitical challenges, this initiative is an important signal of solidarity and the common will to shape the future.
January 15, 2025
OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu Travels to Helsinki for His First Official Visit
The Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, is expected to make his first official visit to the Finnish capital Helsinki on 16 January 2025. The visit marks an important stage in his still young term of office, which he took up in December 2024. In addition to talks with high-ranking Finnish politicians and diplomats, the focus will be on security policy issues, which are urgent in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
January 15, 2025
Austria Confirms Brussels Budget Negotiations and Resilience of International Partnerships
Over the past few days, Austria has been at the center of European attention in several respects. While Finance Minister Gunter Mayr presented a new budget path in Brussels, interim head of government Alexander Schallenberg focused on strengthening international relations during his inaugural visit to the EU. Both developments are crucial for Austria's role within the European Union.
January 13, 2025
Viennese Woman Kidnapped in Niger: Unclear Situation and Intensive Efforts for Clarification
Following the kidnapping of a 73-year-old Viennese woman in Niger, there are still no clues as to her whereabouts or the identity of the kidnappers. The Austrian Foreign Ministry confirmed the events and stated that the crisis team coordinated the investigation. A representative of the Austrian embassy in Algiers, which is responsible for Niger, is already on her way to the West African country to help on the ground.
January 13, 2025
Susanne Raab: Austria's Candidate for the Head of the ICMPD
The Austrian Federal Minister for Women, Family, Integration, and Media, Susanne Raab, has officially announced her candidacy as Director General of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). After the end of the current government, Raab intends to continue her career at the international level. The election for the new head of the ICMPD will take place in spring 2025 by the representatives of the 21 member states.
January 12, 2025
Belarus Refuses OSCE Election Observation: International Concern Grows
The Belarusian government's decision not to invite the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to observe the upcoming presidential elections on 26 January has caused international criticism and concern. The OSCE, in particular the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), strongly condemned this step and warned of the consequences for the country's democratic development.
January 9, 2025
Standstill in Government Formation: Kickl and the FPÖ on the Way to Forming a Government
Following the failure of the coalition negotiations between the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has given the task of forming a government to FPÖ party leader Herbert Kickl. For the first time in the history of the Second Republic, the Freedom Party has been given the task of forming a federal government. This heralds a new phase in the political landscape in Austria, which is causing a stir both nationally and internationally.
January 7, 2025
Energy Partnership: Uniper Secures Natural Gas Supplies from OMV Petrom from 2027
According to insider information, the German energy group Uniper has concluded a long-term supply agreement with the Romanian OMV subsidiary OMV Petrom. From 2027, Uniper will purchase natural gas from Romania, extracted from the Neptun Deep project in the Black Sea. The agreement covers the supply of 15 terawatt hours of natural gas over five years. This corresponds to around 1.5 percent of total German gas imports in 2024.
January 7, 2025
Discussion on Europe's Future after Trump's Re-election at the Burgtheater Vienna
Donald Trump's re-election is causing a stir not only in the USA but also in Europe. While right-wing parties are celebrating Trump's victory as confirmation of their political agenda, liberal forces are concerned about the potential impact on transatlantic relations. It is precisely this area of tension that is the focus of a high-profile panel discussion at the Burgtheater in Vienna.
January 7, 2025
UN General Assembly Adopts Cybercrime Convention: A Step for UNODC for International Security
In a unanimous decision, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the first international cybercrime convention. Hailed by many as a historic achievement, this convention marks the first UN agreement on crime-related issues in over 20 years. In an increasingly digitalized world, the new convention aims to strengthen international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime and shape a safer digital future.
January 2, 2025
Finland Takes Over OSCE Chairmanship: Focus on Resilience and Ukraine Support
In 2025, the 50th anniversary year of the Helsinki Final Act, Finland will assume the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). With a clear focus on strengthening the resilience of the participating states and the organization, Finland is taking on a central role in Europe, marked by geopolitical tensions.
January 2, 2025
Signa Development Selection and Signa Prime: Real Estate Giants on the Brink
The Supreme Court's (OGH) decision to reject the appeal on points of law by Signa Development Selection AG and a German investor has closed another chapter in the liquidation of René Benko's billion-euro real estate group. Previously, the restructuring plan for Signa Prime, another central company of the group, had already failed. The insolvency of the Signa Group represents one of the biggest economic crises in Austria's history.
December 30, 2024
Switzerland Will Assume the OSCE Chairmanship in 2026
Switzerland will assume the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2026. This was announced today by Ian Borg, Malta's Deputy Prime Minister and Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE. The 57 participating states of the organization took the decision unanimously and underlined their collective confidence in the OSCE's ability to act.
December 30, 2024
Bankruptcy Proceedings Against Ostchem Holding GmbH: Ukrainian Oligarch Dmytro Firtash in Financial Difficulties
Bankruptcy proceedings were opened at the Salzburg Regional Court against Ostchem Holding GmbH, a company linked to a major oligarch in Ukraine. The Ukrainian entrepreneur Dmytro Firtash, considered one of Ukraine's most influential and wealthiest oligarchs, is the company's majority shareholder, which has increasingly run into financial difficulties in recent years.
December 23, 2024
Japan's Ambassador Ryuta Mizuuchi Ends his Term of Office in Austria
A total of 167 guests from the worlds of politics, diplomacy, business, culture, and science gathered at the Hotel InterContinental Vienna to bid a worthy farewell to the Japanese Ambassador H.E. Ryuta Mizuuchi and his wife Dr. Akemi Mizuuchi.
December 22, 2024
The Marsalek Espionage Case: A Web of Intrigue and Agents
The espionage affair surrounding former Wirecard manager Jan Marsalek has developed into one of Europe's biggest secret service scandals. New revelations show how deep and widely ramified the network of the fugitive manager, who is said to be operating on behalf of Russian intelligence services, is. The case reveals not only a complex network of agents and connections but also an alarming security situation in Austria and beyond.
December 22, 2024
Austria's Schallenberg Calls for New EU Course in Syria and Criticizes Israeli Occupation
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) is calling for a more pragmatic approach from European foreign policy in dealing with Syria and is positioning himself on the side of international law with his criticism of Israel's occupation of the Golan Heights. His demands have met with mixed reactions within the EU, but also raise fundamental questions about Europe's role in the region. Whether this course will endure remains uncertain given Austria's often cautious foreign policy.
December 18, 2024
Poland and Austria Network in the Field of Fintech and Finance
The Polish Embassy in Vienna hosted the conference “Poland and Austria: cooperation and exchange of expertise. Fintech and finance” took place. The event brought together many experts, industry representatives, and decision-makers from Poland and Austria. The aim was to network the dynamically growing Polish fintech sector with the stable and well-regulated Austrian financial market and explore potential cooperation areas.
December 18, 2024
OMV Abandons Plans to Sell Exploration Business in New Zealand
Following an intensive review, the Executive Board of OMV Aktiengesellschaft has decided not to pursue the sale process for the exploration and production (E&P) business in New Zealand. OMV New Zealand Limited will, therefore, remain part of the partly state-owned energy company's E&P portfolio.
December 17, 2024
Austria and Nauru: Working Together to Tackle Global Challenges
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and his Nauruan counterpart Lionel Rouwen Aingimea met in Vienna for a bilateral meeting. Topics such as climate change, the geopolitical situation in the Indo-Pacific, and global security issues took center stage.
December 17, 2024
Further EU Infringement Proceedings Initiated Against Austria
The European Commission has initiated further infringement proceedings against Austria. The reason: is non-compliance with EU regulations on the recognition of professional qualifications. The Commission sees this as violating the rules intended to make it easier for freelancers and employees to work temporarily and occasionally in other Member States.
December 16, 2024
Austria Joins Artemis Accords: A Milestone for International Space Cooperation
Austria has become the 50th country to sign the Artemis Accords, thus taking an important step towards international cooperation in space research. Ambassador Petra Schneebauer signed the agreement in the presence of NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Jennifer R. Littlejohn, Acting Assistant Secretary of State at the US Department of State.
December 12, 2024
OSCE Ministerial Council in Malta: Challenges for the European Security Architecture
The 31st Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) ended today in Malta with groundbreaking decisions aimed at securing the future of the organization and strengthening its ability to act. The meeting focused on personnel decisions, institutional reforms, the controversial participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and the ongoing tensions surrounding the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.
December 12, 2024
OPEC Revises Forecasts and Cadre: Decline in Global Oil Demand Expected
OPEC has revised its expectations for global oil demand in 2024 and 2025 downwards for the fifth time in a row. At the same time, the organization is celebrating the eighth anniversary of the “Declaration of Cooperation” and appointing new leaders.
December 12, 2024
New Flight Connection Between Vienna and Chengdu Inaugurated
Hainan Airlines links Europe and Asia with a new direct flight route between Vienna and Chengdu. The opening of the route was attended by a prominent delegation, including Qi Mei, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Austria, Julian Jäger, CEO of Flughafen Wien AG, Meng Fanzhuang, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, and Zhang Zhuo, General Manager Austria of Hainan Airlines. The event marks another milestone in the bilateral relations between Austria and China.
December 12, 2024
Reforms as the Key to the Future of the EU: Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Road to Membership
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg received his counterpart from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, for a working meeting in Vienna. The meeting focused on Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU accession process, bilateral relations, and current foreign policy issues. The message was clear: reforms are the key to the country's EU future.
December 11, 2024
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