Sponsored Content
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
Meeting of Foreign Ministers in Vienna: Austria Strengthens Partnership with North Macedonia
Political cooperation between Austria and North Macedonia is under a new star: Just a few days after her inauguration as Foreign Minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger received her counterpart Timčo Mucunski in Vienna. The meeting was seen as an important diplomatic prelude, characterized by solidarity and determination, both in humanitarian and political terms. The tragic events in Kočani brought the relationship between the two countries into focus, while at the same time the European future of North Macedonia was discussed.
March 20, 2025
Economic Forum in Vienna: Poland and Austria in Dialogue on Security and Economy
As part of the Polish EU Council Presidency, the high-caliber forum “Ensuring Security and Freedom of Business - Polish and Austrian Perspectives” took place at the headquarters of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ). The event, which was organized by the Polish Embassy in Vienna in cooperation with the WKÖ, brought together over 130 representatives from public institutions, business organizations, and various industries from both countries. The event aimed to discuss current challenges and opportunities in the areas of energy security, digital transformation, and economic policy at the EU level.
March 19, 2025
UN High Commissioner Volker Türk: Israel's Settlement Construction in the West Bank Condemned as a War Crime
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has sharply criticized Israel for accelerating settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories and described it as a war crime. A recent report by his office documents numerous violations of international law by Israel. “The transfer of parts of its civilian population into the territory occupied by Israel is tantamount to a war crime,” explained Türk.
March 18, 2025
Visit to Kyiv by Austrian Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Reaffirms Solidarity With Ukraine
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger traveled to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, with a clear message of support. There, she met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other high-ranking government representatives to reaffirm Austria's solidarity and diplomatic long-term support in the fight against the Russian war of aggression.
March 17, 2025
Meet Vietnam's Ambassador to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna
Dr. Vu Le Thai Hoang takes office as Vietnam's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador to Austria. His diplomatic career demonstrates extensive experience in international relations, strategic diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation. Meet Vietnam's top diplomat in Vienna.
March 14, 2025
Austrian Bishops' Conference Meets in Hungary for the First Time Without Cardinal Schönborn
For the first time in its history, the Austrian Bishops' Conference is holding its spring plenary meeting at the Benedictine Archabbey of Pannonhalma in Hungary. Following the resignation of Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, he will no longer be attending the meeting. He will be replaced by the Apostolic Administrator Josef Grünwidl.
March 14, 2025
UNODC Reports That Opium Prices in Afghanistan Reach Historic Highs
The price of opium in Afghanistan soared to $750 per kilogram in 2024, marking a tenfold increase compared to the $75 per kilogram price in 2022 before the country’s de facto authorities imposed a strict drug ban. This data comes from a new report released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
March 14, 2025
Meet Japan's Ambassador to the Republic of Austria
Iwama Kiminori has been serving as Japan's Ambassador to Austria for some time. With an impressive diplomatic career and extensive international experience, he aims to further expand and deepen the traditionally good relations between Japan and Austria. Meet Ambassador Iwama Kiminori, the top diplomat of Japan in Vienna.
March 13, 2025
Vienna as a UN Location More Important Than Ever: Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Reaffirms Austria's Commitment
Vienna is considered one of the most important UN locations in the world. Austria's Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger visited the Vienna International Centre (VIC) to emphasize the importance of the UN headquarters for Austria and the international community. In talks with high-ranking UN representatives, she reaffirmed Austria's support for multilateral cooperation and the rules-based world order. But what specific tasks does the UN perform in Vienna and why are they more urgent than ever today?
March 13, 2025
Increasing Risk of Espionage for Austrian IT Companies
Austrian companies are increasingly being targeted by foreign intelligence services. According to a recent study by the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) in the Ministry of the Interior, which was carried out in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Austrian Industries, almost one in ten companies stated that they had already been the victim of espionage. The IT sector is particularly affected. Experts also assume that the number of unreported cases is high.
March 13, 2025
Japan Business Talk: Lower Austria Prepares for Expo 2025 in Osaka
Lower Austria is intensifying its economic relations with Japan: At the “Japan Business Talk” event, high-ranking representatives from politics, science, and business discussed the opportunities and challenges of cooperation. The background to this is the upcoming business delegation trip to Expo 2025 in Osaka-Kansai.
March 12, 2025
Sweden Takes Over Chairmanship of ICMPD: New Impetus for European Migration Policy
The Kingdom of Sweden has officially taken over the chairmanship of the steering group of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for the year 2025. The handover ceremony occurred at the Swedish Permanent Representation in Brussels, where Migration Minister Johan Forssell took over from Greece. Sweden will play a central role in shaping European migration policy by assuming the presidency.
March 12, 2025
Meet Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna
The new Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations in Vienna, Yurii Vitrenko, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Yurii Vitrenko, the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna.
March 11, 2025
ICMPD Director General Meets Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister
Michael Spindelegger, Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), met with Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov to discuss enhanced cooperation. Key topics included support for Ukrainian refugees, the work of the newly established Ministry of National Unity, and ICMPD’s role in migration policy.
March 11, 2025
Russian Ambassador Lyubinsky Sharply Criticizes Austria
The Russian Ambassador to Austria, Dmitry Lyubinsky, delivered a speech before the members of the "Society for Friendship with Austria" (ROO). The event, originally intended to promote cultural and civil society exchange, turned into a sharp political reckoning with the Austrian government.
March 11, 2025
UN in Vienna Warns: Europe Poorly Prepared for Dangerous Synthetic Drugs
The rapid spread of synthetic drugs poses a growing threat to public health and is fundamentally changing global drug black markets. The United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) in Vienna warns in its latest annual report that Europe is ill-prepared for this danger and that a coordinated, determined strategy is needed to combat the threat.
March 4, 2025
Trump Appoints Real Estate Agent Arthur Graham Fisher as New US Ambassador to Austria
Before taking office, US President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Arthur Graham Fisher as the new US ambassador to Austria. Fisher, a successful real estate agent from North Carolina, is primarily known for his work in the real estate industry and has no diplomatic experience. The appointment has therefore provoked mixed reactions.
March 3, 2025
Taiwan Representation in Vienna Calls for International Support against Beijing's Isolation Tactics
Taiwan is under constant pressure from China. In addition to threatening military gestures, Beijing is increasingly relying on hybrid warfare to isolate the island republic internationally. A recent incident in which a Chinese ship is believed to have severed an undersea cable between Taiwan and the Penghu Islands highlights the vulnerability of the global communications infrastructure.
February 28, 2025
Russia's Ambassador to Austria Dmitry Lyubinsky Calls for New Security Architecture for Europe
In a recently published article, the Russian ambassador to Austria, Dmitry Lyubinsky, sharply criticized Western reporting on the Ukraine conflict and emphasized the need for sustainable peace solutions. But to what extent do his statements stand up to critical scrutiny?
February 25, 2025
Chinese Ambassador Qi Mei Visited Styria: Deepening Bilateral Relations
The Chinese ambassador to Austria, Qi Mei, paid a working visit to Styria. Her visit focused on meetings with Governor Mario Kunasek and Provincial Parliament President Gerald Deutschmann, during which the positive developments in Styrian-Chinese relations.
February 24, 2025
German Election and AfD in the Wake of a Donation Scandal from Austria
The German parliamentary elections are approaching, and yet another donation scandal is rocking the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The focus is on millions of euros that are said to have flowed from Austria - in some cases in a questionable manner. While the Austrian authorities are investigating the suspicion of money laundering, the question arises as to what extent actors from the Alpine country are influencing the German election campaign.
February 19, 2025
Brunner Meets Meloni: Talks on Returns and Asylum Centers in Albania
EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) has met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome for an intensive exchange on current migration issues. It was Brunner's first visit to Italy since his appointment as EU Commissioner for Migration.
February 19, 2025
Oligarchs and Their Real Estate: How Effectively Is Austria Implementing the Russia Sanctions?
Almost three years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, experts and politicians are puzzled as to how seriously Austria is implementing the EU sanctions against Russian oligarchs. Research shows that only nine properties have been frozen in this country, while other EU states are more transparent with their measures and enforce them more strictly.
February 17, 2025
Embassy of Kosovo in Vienna Celebrates Independence Through Literature
The Albanian Writers and Creators Association in Austria, "Aleksandër Moisiu," recently hosted a literary event in Vienna to celebrate the anniversary of Kosovo’s independence. Organized in cooperation with the Embassy of Kosovo, the gathering brought together diplomats, writers, and literary enthusiasts to highlight the role of literature in preserving cultural identity and fostering connections within the Albanian diaspora.
February 17, 2025
EAVISTA Takes Over card complete: Bank Austria and RBI Sell Their Shares
The Austrian credit card company card complete Service Bank AG has a new majority shareholder. UniCredit Bank Austria and Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) have sold their shares in the company to EAVISTA Beteiligungsverwaltungs GmbH.
February 17, 2025
OSCE Special Representative Visits Moldova for the Settlement Process of the Transnistrian Conflict
The OSCE Chairmanship's Special Representative for the Transnistria Conflict, Ambassador Thomas Lenk, has made his first official visit to the Republic of Moldova. The visit aimed to assess the current status of the Transnistria conflict resolution process and to promote dialog and confidence-building measures between the parties to the conflict.
February 16, 2025
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
Fast News Search
This category only
