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

1,350 Ukrainian Displaced Persons Could be Accommodated by Private Apartments in Vienna

The residents of the city of Vienna already provided over 1,100 housing donations for Ukrainian aid seekers who had to flee from the war crimes committed by the Russian invaders. Thus, about 94% of Ukrainians could be accommodated in private shelters and facilitate the situation for public quarters.

April 21, 2022

Special Representatives of OSCE Chairman-in-Office Visit Council of Europe

Personal Representatives of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office for tolerance issues visited the Council of Europe. During this visit, meetings were held about Human Rights, Equality and Non-Discrimination. During the meetings, the representatives urged Russia to stop its invasion of Ukraine.

April 21, 2022

EU Subcommittee of the Austrian Parliament Discussed on Future EU Economic Policies

The EU Subcommittee of the Austrian Parliament discussed future EU economic policy. The topics of artificial intelligence, digitalization, EU trade policy, the update of the EU industrial strategy of 2020 and the modernization of competition law.

April 20, 2022

OSCE Media Freedom Representative, Teresa Ribeiro, Condemns Arrests of Media Workers in Russia

The OSCE Media Freedom Representative denounces the latest arrests of journalists in Russia and calls on Russian authorities to repeal restrictive laws.

April 15, 2022

Production of ID Cards for Displaced Ukrainians - 40,000 Copies Already Manufactured

The production of the ID card for displaced persons, continues to progress. So far, 40,000 cards have been produced for the 56,000 registered Ukrainian aid seekers and 30,000 have already been issued. This document is enormously important for war refugees in Austria, as it allows, among other things, access to the Austrian labor market, or internal travel within the EU.

April 14, 2022

Ukrainian Ambassador Khymynets Thanks Austrian Communities for Hosting Refugees

Ukrainian Ambassador Khymynets thanked Austrian communities for hosting refugees from Ukraine. Close cooperation between Austrian and Ukrainian communities is planned.

April 14, 2022

IAEA Supports Radiation Protection in Medical Procedures

The IAEA supports efforts and is raising awareness of radiation protection in medical procedures. The benefits of nuclear technology enable great technological advances.

April 13, 2022

U.S. and UK Sanction Individuals in the Balkans

The Balkan states are plagued by corruption, which only fosters an unstable situation. The Balkans are important for the stability of Europe and especially in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Balkans remain important for the West. That is why the U.S. and UK have sanctioned individuals.

April 13, 2022

OSCE Publishes Report on Russian War Crimes in Ukraine

The OSCE recently presented a report in Vienna on the documentation of war crimes in Ukraine. A delegation of the OSCE saw "clear signs" of violations of international humanitarian law by the Russian aggressor. Detailed elaborations on individual events had not been possible, but some cases of human rights violations could be proven.

April 13, 2022

OSCE Troika Expressed Strong Support to Ukraine and Urges Russia to Stop its Invasion

Numerous states and organizations condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine. The OSCE Troika met with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister and calls on Russia to halt its military aggression against Ukraine.

April 12, 2022

International Day of Human Space Flight: The Importance of Space

Today is the International Day of Human Space Flight. This day celebrates each year the beginning of the space era for mankind. Space travel and space could help humanity tame the challenges ahead. Read more about this day.

April 12, 2022

EU Commissioner For Energy in Vienna

The Russian invasion of Ukraine shook global energy markets. The EU Energy Commissioner is in Vienna on Monday and Tuesday to discuss the EU's energy outreach in the context of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.

April 11, 2022

Russian Aggression Against Ukraine Provides Opportunity Against Climate Change

The Russian Invasion of Ukraine has challenged many old structures globally. One of those structures is the energy infrastructure of Europe. The Russian Aggression has put Europe in an energy crisis. This crisis could give momentum to combat climate change.

April 11, 2022

Vienna Presents Itself as a Bridge Builder: Austrian Chancellor to Meet Putin in Moscow

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will meet Russian President Putin in Moscow for talks. It will be the first meeting of an EU head of government with Putin since the beginning of the war. After the recent expulsion of four Russian diplomats and in view of the current stalemate a daring but diplomatically sensible step.

April 10, 2022

IAEA on the Status of Ukraine's Nuclear Safety

The war in Ukraine threatens the country's nuclear security. Nuclear facilities are becoming the sites of battles with Russian forces. Even as Russian forces reorganize, the IAEA continues to express concern.

April 8, 2022

How the Kremlin Exploits Its Diplomatic Missions in Vienna to Spread Russian Propaganda

Since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has used its diplomatic missions in Vienna and around the world to help spread propaganda and disinformation about the war. Read about this propaganda effort and view some blatant examples of Russian propaganda from the diplomatic missions.

April 6, 2022 · Updated: April 8, 2022; 15:46

Serbian Elections and the Impact on Serbia's Relations to Europe

Serbia has voted and President Vucic remains in power. His party will probably again form the coalition government as the leading party. In the wake of the current war in Ukraine, some wonder if Serbia's path will change after the elections. Read more about the elections and the political situation in Serbia.

April 7, 2022

G7 and OSCE Condemn Russian Aggression Against Ukraine

Since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, many countries are enraged by Putin's actions. The Russian Aggression against Ukraine is ravaging the country. The G7 members strongly condemn Russia's actions. The OSCE expressed its concerns on many issues too.

April 7, 2022

Expulsion: Austria Declares Four Russian Diplomats as "Personae Non Gratae"

Now Austria is joining the trend of European sanctions against Russian diplomats, expelling three members of the Russian Embassy in Vienna and one member of the Russian Consulate General in Salzburg.

April 7, 2022

State Visit of the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins to Austria

The Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen received the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, for an official visit to Austria. The main topics of discussion are the Russian aggression in Ukraine and European security policy.

April 6, 2022

Europe's Energy Dilemma Requiring Austria and Germany to Rethink in Wake of Russian Aggression

Due to the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Europe has to face new questions about energy policy, which had been known for many years but were largely ignored and deferred. The much-discussed gas embargo in recent weeks is to further intensify the sanctions against Russia and its economy. Read more about the current situation.

April 6, 2022

Russian Ambassador in Vienna Denies Massacre and Reaffirms Kremlin Propaganda

The Russian Ambassador to Austria, Dmitry Lyubinsky (57), has attracted attention in connection with allegations and statements regarding war crimes in Ukraine that are in abrupt contradiction to the realities as currently captured by the "Western" side. Among other things, His Excellency claimed that "Ukrainians are blowing up their own hospitals." Following the, within a few weeks, fourth summons to the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador only let it be known that "for my part, I have categorically rejected all unfounded accusations against the actions of the Russian armed forces and especially against the Russian government."

April 5, 2022

Russian Mission to the OSCE Blocks Ukraine Mandate for OSCE Observers

Russia has blocked the extension of the mandate for the international OSCE observers in Ukraine. The Russian Invasion of Ukraine has decisively changed the situation for the observers there.

April 5, 2022

Iran Blames U.S. for Stalemate in Vienna Nuclear Talks

The Islamic Republic of Iran blames the U.S. for a stalemate in the renewed JCPOA talks in Vienna. Iran accuses the demands of the U.S. as extravagant and exaggerated.

April 5, 2022

Arab Chambers’ Day at the Austrian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

The event "Arab Chambers' Day" at the Austrian Pavilion at Expo Dubai 2020 provided an opportunity for Emirati, Arab and Austrian delegates to meet and become acquainted with leading Austrian companies. Find out more about the event and which senior Arab and Austrian officials and delegations attended.

April 5, 2022

How the Austrian Development Agency Assists in Post-Soviet Conflicts in the South Caucasus

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the South Caucasus states of Armenia and Georgia have been searching for a new political and social identity. The trend goes in the direction of Europe. The EU and Austria are standing by with support.

April 4, 2022

Threatened Former Soviet Republic of Moldova in Focus of Central European Foreign Policy

Moldavia is a country in eastern Europe, located in between Romania and Ukraine. Moldavia has had its troubles with Russia since the disputed Republic of Transnistria takes 50 percent of the land. Russia's invasion of Ukraine leads to a new perspective on security in Europe.

April 4, 2022

Security in the Western Balkans: North Macedonia's EU Accession as Stronghold against Putin's Aggression

North Macedonia is one of the prospective countries to enter the European Union. Austrian Minister of European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler visited the country and met with Head of Government Dimitar Kovačevski for talks.

April 1, 2022

Report on Measures to Safeguard Jewish Life in Austria

As a basis for preventing and combating anti-Semitism by the state and civil society, Austria adopted the National Strategy against Anti-Semitism in January 2021. The EU Commission presented the first EU strategy against anti-Semitism in October of the previous year.

April 1, 2022

Melitopol Mayor Previously Kidnapped by Russians in Vienna

The mayor of Melitopol, Ivan Fedorov, who was kidnapped two weeks ago, accepted an invitation to the Vienna City Hall. The topic of conversation was aid for the Ukrainian civilian population.

April 1, 2022

U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Iran’s Ballistic Missile-Related Activities

The U.S. imposed sanctions on individuals and entities in Iran, accusing them of supporting Iran's ballistic missile program after suspected Iranian-backed proxies carried out missile attacks on Arab targets in the region.

March 31, 2022

Trip to Israel: Market Exploratory Mission to Promote Austrian-Israeli Economic Relations

The Israeli-Austrian economic partnership is becoming increasingly important. Now Foreign Minister Schallenberg and Economics Minister Schramböck visited the Israeli state to intensify economic relations and to attend the opening of a major infrastructure project with Austrian participation.

March 31, 2022

Effects of the Ukraine War and Perspectives for the Western Balkans from an Austrian Perspective

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many European countries have been asking themselves security questions related to the immediate neighborhood of the European Union. For Austria, the main question is about its southern neighbors, the Western Balkans.

March 31, 2022

IAEA Director Traveled to Ukraine Regarding Nuclear Safety

Ukraine is ravaged by war and the Russian Invasion threatens due to the fighting the nuclear safety in the eastern European country. IAEA Director-General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, traveled to Ukraine for talks with senior government officials on the planned assistance by IAEA to ensure the safety and security of the country’s nuclear facilities.

March 31, 2022

Austria's Muslim Community Celebrates the Month of Ramadan

Every year, the Muslim community of Vienna and worldwide celebrates the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is one of the most important months in Islam, starting from April 2nd, 2022 to May 2nd, 2022. Practiced by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.

March 30, 2022

Space Diplomacy: The Annual Session of the COPUOS Legal Subcommittee

Space is an important future avenue for exploration, research, and commerce. This makes it all the more important for the nations of the world to negotiate these unlimited possibilities and to work out cooperation through diplomatic channels. One of them is the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) of the United Nations Office on Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). The COPUOS organizes a Legal Subcommittee which is held this week.

March 30, 2022

NATO and EU Military Committee Meet Regarding Western Balkans

A joint meeting of the NATO Military Committee and the European Union Military Committee was held to discuss the current security situation in the Western Balkans as well as the EU's ongoing Operation Althea. In the context of the Russian military aggression on Ukraine, stability in the Balkans increases in importance.

March 29, 2022

After Diplomatic Tensions Between Turkey and Austria New Start for Archaeological Excavations in Ephesus

Due to the talks between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, as well as between Foreign Ministers Alexander Schallenberg and Mevlüt Cavusoğlu, a new start for archaeological excavations Ephesos could be achieved.

March 28, 2022

Nehammer at EU Summit: Russia Sanctions and Western Balkans Support

The EU summit, which was also attended by U.S. President Joe Biden, focused on the political crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Austrian chancellor Karl Nehammer attended the European Council too and expressed the importance of stability in the Balkans. Read about the European Council and the chancellor's visit to Brussels.

March 28, 2022

Burglar in U.S. Residence in Vienna-Döbling Convicted

In the summer of 2021, a thief stole a 400-year-old tapestry from the residence of the U.S. Embassy in Vienna's Döbling district. The thief was sentenced to one year conditional.

March 28, 2022

IAEA and the Nuclear Safety in Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine raises issues about nuclear safety. After several wildfires around the Chernobyl nuclear ruins, possible shelling by Russian forces in the vicinity is now leading to new concerns about the safety of the infamous nuclear power plant. The IAEA expressed its concerns and demands for an agreed framework to provide assistance.

March 25, 2022

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Albania to the International Organizations in Vienna

Eglantina Gjermeni, Albania's new permanent representative, presented her credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Ambassador Gjermeni is an experienced politician and has already served as a minister in her country. Meet Ambassador Eglantina Gjermeni, the new permanent Permanent Representative of Albania to the International Organizations in Vienna.

March 25, 2022

U.S. Ambassador to OSCE Urges Kremlin to "end it now, save the lives of your own soldiers"

The U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE Michael Carpenter urges the Kremlin to end the senseless war in Ukraine and condemned the aggressive tactics of Russia's armed forces in Ukraine.

March 24, 2022

Austria for a Strategic Orientation of the EU Towards a Common Army and Away from Coal, Oil and Gas

The Russian attack on Ukraine shook Europe and opened many new and old political questions in the European Union and Austria.

March 24, 2022

The Impact of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine on the Nuclear Talks in Vienna

In the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine new issues emerged in the negotiations for the revival of the JCPOA in Vienna. For the West and Iran, it is important to re-establish the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, despite Russia's diversionary tactics.

March 24, 2022

OSCE Condemns Russian Aggression on Mariupol and Ukraine

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office Zbigniew Rau and Secretary-General Helga Maria Schmid condemned the ongoing violence that Russian forces committed in Ukraine and the city of Mariupol. Meanwhile Russia's ambassador to the United Nations has denied that Russia was involved in the attack on a theatre in besieged Mariupol.

March 23, 2022

The Battle For Mariupol: Why Does It Matter to Putin?

Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the military tactics are ravaging Ukraine. The Russian troops besiege Mariupol and are causing a humanitarian crisis. Mariupol is key for the Russian invasion and the advancing Russian military wants to seize the city at all costs.

March 23, 2022

Neutrality: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy May Now Be Able to Address the Austrian National Council After All

The ongoing debate on Austrian neutrality will maybe allow Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to speak to Austrian parliamentarians.

March 23, 2022

Putin's Aggression Against Ukraine as a Trigger for the Flare-up of the Austrian Neutrality Debate

Russia's fabricated pretext for war, Russian use of disinformation to distract and deflect responsibility and eventually Russia's invasion of Ukraine could become the turning point for Austria's security policy. Parliamentary groups discussed Austria's position in the field of tension between neutrality, NATO accession and the EU army.

March 23, 2022

Austrian Federal President: "We stand with Ukraine"

Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen, as a special guest of honor, visited a charity event on the weekend and gave a speech about the current situation in Ukraine.

March 21, 2022