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

The Western Balkans Remain a Priority of Austrian Foreign Policy

Because of a common history and the tradition of political, cultural and economic relations, Austrian foreign policy has always attached particular importance to the Western Balkans. The primary goal of Austrian foreign policy is to support the transformation of the Western Balkans area into a zone of stability. From the Austrian perspective there is only one option for the Western Balkans: a full European integration of the region. However, the political commitment from the regions' leaders is expected.

February 28, 2018

Meet the New Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain in Austria: Juan Bautista Sunye Mendia

Updated background details of Mr. Juan Bautista Sunye Mendia, the current Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain in Austria.

February 23, 2018

Federal President Widow Margot Klestil-Löffler Designated to Become Special Envoy to Russia and China

Due to tensions in the CEI Central European Initiative in Trieste between the Italian diplomat Giovanni Caracciolo di Vietri as CEI Secretary General and his deputy Margot Klestil-Löffler, it is rumored that the Foreign Office must find a new job for Klestil-Löffler. This is what the daily "Der Standard" writes in its Thursday issue.

February 23, 2018

KTM to Manufacture Motorcycles in China

The Upper Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM plans to produce motorcycles in China from 2020/21 as well. Currently KTM manufactures at the company headquarters in Upper Austria (Mattighofen), as well as together with the partner Bajaj in India (Pune).

February 23, 2018

How do Russian Politicians and Oligarchs Withdraw their Money from Austria?

The Russian money nobility has begun to repatriate large amounts of its western-hoarded money back to Russia in order to deprive it of access by Western authorities. The countries of origin are above all Switzerland, but also Austria and Great Britain. Sberbank, Russia's largest and state-owned bank, speaks of an atypically high capital inflow to Russia. Within a few weeks, a tripling of such repatriation transactions took place compared to the same period of the previous year. The sum is hundreds of millions of dollars. The average transfer amount has increased within a year by 50% to 3 million dollars. This meets with the Kremlin's desire to repatriate Russian assets.

February 22, 2018

IIASA Builds Bridge through Science with Israel

The Laxenburg based international research organization IIASA (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis) has recently announced that Israel has become its newest member country. Israel joins 24 other countries whose National Member Organization’s representatives constitute the IIASA Governing Council. Israel has established the Israel Committee for IIASA - made up of representatives from Israeli universities, government ministries, and the public - to represent the Israeli membership of IIASA.

February 19, 2018

Historical Connection Between Klosterneuburg Monastery and Croatia

The Croatian ambassador in Austria, DDr. Vesna Cvjetković, visited the monastery Klosterneuburg, where the close historical ties became visible.

February 15, 2018

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain in Austria: Alberto Carnero Fernández (2013-2017)

Updated background details of Alberto Carnero Fernández, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain in Austria.

January 1, 2015 · Updated: February 14, 2018; 17:47

Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Vienna, Austria

Updated address and contact details of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Vienna, Austria

February 14, 2018

Telekom Austria AG / Results for the Full Year 2017

Telekom Austria Group announces its results for fourth quarter and full year 2017, ending 31 December 2017. Group total revenues rose by 3.0% on a proforma basis (reported: +4.1%), EBITDA increased by 2.0% (rep.: +3.2%). Revenue increase driven by growth in fixed-line service revenues and equipment revenues, while mobile service revenues were lower due to roaming; the revenue increase was driven by all markets except for the Republic of Macedonia.

February 13, 2018

Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Benin to Austria: H.E. Mr. Eloi Laourou

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Benin to Austria Eloi Laourou presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.

January 9, 2018

Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to Austria: H.E. Ms. Else Nizigama Ntamagiro

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to Austria Else Nizigama Ntamagiro presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with her letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.

January 9, 2018

Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Niger to Austria: H.E. Ms. Fatima Sidikou

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Niger to Austria Fatima Sidikou presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with her letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.

January 9, 2018

Meet the New Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Austria: H.E. Mr. Le Dung

The new Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Austria Le Dung presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.

January 9, 2018

Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to Austria: H.E. Mr. Roger Albéric Kacou

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to Austria Roger Albéric Kacou presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.

January 9, 2018

Meet the New Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to Austria: H.E. Mr. Abdallah Saleh Possi

The new Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to Austria Abdallah Saleh Possi presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.

January 9, 2018

Meet the New Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal to Austria: H.E. Mr. Prakash Kumar Suvedi

The new Nepalese Ambassador to Austria Prakash Kumar Suvedi presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.

January 9, 2018

Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to Austria: H.E. Mr. Heng Wing Chan

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to Austria Heng Wing Chan presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.

January 9, 2018

Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in Vienna, Austria

Updated address and contact details of the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in Vienna, Austria. (Updated Consular Section information please see below.)

January 2, 2018

Changes in the Supervisory Board of Aircraft Component Manufacturer FACC

Board member Mr. Wang Xuejun will be replaced by Ms. Li Li as a new member of the Supervisory Board of FACC AG. She will be delegated by FACC International Company Limited, Hong Kong, which holds a stake of 55.5% of the total of Xi’an Aircraft's stake of 91,25 %. Ms. Li is currently Director of Accounting at the Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group. She holds a law and economics degree from Zhongnan University. She also obtained an MBA from Missouri State University Branch Campus Dalian in the People's Republic of China.

November 20, 2017

Strabag Secures Orders in Poland for 170 Million Euros

Austria's largest construction group has received orders worth 170 million euros in Poland. The General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) awarded three road contracts to the Polish subsidiaries of Strabag, said the listed company in a release.

October 31, 2017

Andritz Receives 90 Million Euros Order for Power Plant Renewal in Canada

The listed technology group Andritz has landed a major order for the renovation of a hydroelectric power station in Canada. "The order value is over 90 million euros," said Andritz by press release. The Styrian company will therefore renew six of the eight turbine units of a power plant in the province of Saskatchewan for the Canadian electricity supplier SaskPower.

October 31, 2017

Lenzing AG / Lenzing Opens New Application Innovation Center in Hong Kong

The Lenzing Group is setting a further milestone in intensifying its cooperation with the partners along the value chain by its opening of a new Application Innovation Center (AIC) in Hong Kong. New applications for Lenzing fibers will be developed and tested at the new facility, among them applications for recent innovations like the RefibraTM branded lyocell fiber and the EcoVeroTM branded viscose fiber.

September 12, 2017

RHI Sells Production Sites in Italy and Spain to Unnamed European Refractories Supplier

The planned combination of RHI AG with the Brazilian Magnesita was approved by the European Commission on June 28, 2017 subject to conditions. Today, RHI signed a contract with a European refractories supplier regarding the sale of its dolomite business in the European Economic Area. The sale consists of the production sites in Marone, Italy, and Lugones, Spain. The contribution to revenue of the two RHI plants amounted to roughly EUR 50 million in the financial year 2016 and represents roughly 3% of the Group's revenue in the year 2016.

September 8, 2017

Moody's Lifts Outlook for Austrian Banks

Moody's lifts outlook for Austrian banks on positive, because the economic recovery in Austria makes it possible to improve the outlook for domestic banks.

August 24, 2017

Meet the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Austria: H.E. Mrs. Vivian Okeke

H.E. Mrs. Vivian Okeke is the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Slovakia and Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna.

July 27, 2017

Goals of Austria's OSCE Chairmanship 2017

Germany will chair the OSCE until the end of December and will then hand over to Austria in 2017. Austria will promote greater security and stability as well as the preservation of common values within the OSCE region.

August 31, 2016

Social Progress Index: Austria Ranked 13th

Austria has been ranked 13th by NGO Social Progress Imperative, in its Social Progress Index ranking. It precedes Japan and Germany and scored many points thanks to renewable energy projects. However, the state reveals shortages with respect to education, tolerance and equal opportunities. Nordic states, such as Finland, Canada and Denmark lead the index.

July 25, 2016

What Role Should the OSCE Play in the Refugee Issue?

Possible roles for the OSCE in the context of the migration and refugee flows across the OSCE area were discussed at a special meeting of the Permanent Council in Vienna. The OSCE Permanent Council is one of the main regular decision-making bodies of the Organization bringing together representatives of all 57 OSCE participating States and the 11 Partners for Co-operation.

July 21, 2016

Indian Ministry of Railways Discusses India-Austria Railway Cooperations

The Indian Minister of Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhu paid a visit to Austria. In an event organized by the Chamber of Commerce H.E. Mr. Prabhu met with CEOs and Austrian Railway Companies to discuss possible further India-Austria cooperations in the field of railways technology.

July 21, 2016

Austrian Ministerial Council Approves EUR 1.5 Mln for Iraq Humanitarian Aid and Resettlement

The Austrian Ministerial Council approves 1.5 million euros in funding for humanitarian aid and resettlement in Iraq. The humanitarian aid for the population in need on the ground and measures aimed at promoting resettlement are supposed to contribute towards managing the refugee crisis.

July 15, 2016

Austria Takes Over OSCE Chairmanship: "Need for Decisive Action!"

In his first address to the OSCE Permanent Council as incoming OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Austria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sebastian Kurz said that the fight against radicalization will be the main priority of Austria’s 2017 OSCE chairmanship. In first address to OSCE Permanent Council, incoming Chairperson-in-Office Austria’s Foreign Minister Kurz, stresses

July 14, 2016

New "Open Austria Initiative" Supposed to Open Doors to Silicon Valley

Foreign Ministry and Austrian Economic Chamber open joint office in California to support Austrian companies and pave their way for success in Silicon Valley.

July 14, 2016

Best Gaming Technology Acquired by Rival Playtech

Vienna-based maker of software for self-service betting terminals Best Gaming Technology (BGT) has been acquired by UK gambling software group Playtech for €138m. Playtech holds the option to purchase the remaining shares for up to €55m from Armin Sageder, the company’s founder and chief executive.

July 14, 2016

OSCE: "Reliable, Affordable and Sustainable Energy Supplies are Prerequisite for Stability and Security"

Energy experts from the OSCE Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation, representing both government institutions and private sector companies, will begin a week-long field study of sustainable energy in Austria and Germany.

July 12, 2016

Western Balkans Summit was Held in Paris

Following the 2014 Western Balkans Summit in Berlin and the Vienna Western Balkans Summit of August 2015, the third Western Balkans Summit was held in Paris in the context of the ‘Berlin Process’. More than 500,000 of the people with migration background who live in Austria are from the region. Austrian companies have hundreds of branches or subsidiaries in the Western Balkans, which clearly illustrates the very close economic relations.

July 8, 2016

Western Balkans Countries Discussed Investment, Jobs and Integration in Vienna

The World Bank and the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw) held a high-level policy dialogue on ‘Investment, Jobs and Integration’ last week. Ministers and senior officials from the Western Balkans region as well as policy experts from international organisations and the business community gathered to discuss the challenges the region is currently facing, in particular the high unemployment rate, low international competitiveness, and lack of modern infrastructure.

July 8, 2016

Vienna Insurance Group Buys AXA Subsidiaries in Serbia

Vienna Insurance Group (VIG) is acquiring AXA’s life and non-life companies in Serbia. The purchase will increase VIG’s market share in Serbia to around 11.5 percent.

July 7, 2016

Brexit and Its Consequences for Austria

Like any other economy within the euro area, Austria will also be confronted with challenges following the Brexit vote, according to the latest analysis by RBI Research analysts. However, the economic momentum should not experience any noticeable weakening, even though one should expect considerable declines in exports to the United Kingdom.

July 1, 2016

RBI Closes Sale of Raiffeisen Banka in Slovenia

Following the completion of all regulatory requirements, Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) formally closed the sale of its Slovenian bank, Raiffeisen Banka d.d. The sales price will be kept confidential.

July 1, 2016

Chinese Activist Ai Weiwei Displays His Work in Vienna

The conceptual artist, documentary filmmaker and activist Ai Weiwei is one of the most well known artists of our time. The 21er Haus will present his work at the exhibition “Ai Weiwei. translocation – transformation” from 14 July to 20 November 2016.

June 30, 2016

CESEE Outlook: Modest Recovery - EU is Obstacle to Growth – BREXIT Poses Uncertainties

According to the latest prognosis of the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, the countries of Central, East and Southeast Europe (CESEE) will have a trend growth rate of up to 3% in the period of 2016-2018. This is 1-1½ percentage points higher than average growth in the eurozone. Consumption will be the main growth driver. The Austrian economy is still benefiting from its economic ties with the region. Direct effects of BREXIT on the region will be limited – indirect effects for the European economy as a whole may be considerable.

June 29, 2016

Agenda Austria Recommends Campaign Against Öxit

Think tank Agenda Austria recommends the government in Austria to devise a large campaign against an Austrian exit ("Öxit”), highlighting the benefits of EU membership, since the experts anticipate an increase in discussions concerning this issue.

June 27, 2016

India Facilitates Visa Scheme for Austrian Travellers

India has extended e-Tourist Visa (e-TV) scheme to the citizens of Austria. Under e-Tourist Visa scheme, citizens of Austria may now apply online four days in advance to obtain the Electronic Travel Authorization for traveling to India.

June 27, 2016

Closing of Visa Takeover Brings EUR 97 Million Pre-Tax Profit to RBI

The expected pretax profit from the cash payment of the transaction will be EUR 97 million. It should be booked under net income from financial investments in the second quarter of 2016. Visa Inc. had announced the takeover of Visa Europe Ltd. in November of 2015. The cash payment of this one-off effect will be split between Slovakia, Romania, Czech Republic, Poland, the RBI head office, Croatia, Bulgaria, Hungary and Zuno.

June 21, 2016

Austrian Business Meets Foreign Diplomacy

In the context of the ‘Business meets Diplomacy’ series of events, representatives of the Austrian economy meet members of the foreign diplomatic corps for an exchange of views on Austrian business and the economy.

June 20, 2016

What Brexit Means for Austria: Mitterlehner, Kurz, Fiat Steyr

Mitterlehner hopes that the referendum will end in Britain staying in the EU. Kurz says, that Brexit would be terrible. Fiat could relocate production of agriculture and construction machine maker CNH (Case New Holland) from UK to Steyr in case of Brexit.

June 20, 2016

20 Years Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT): Ministerial Meeting at VIC

Marking the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), a Ministerial Meeting was held at Vienna International Center. Hosting some 40 international organizations, Austria is a hub for the promotion of peace, safety and security, sustainable development and the fight against crime, drug abuse and terrorism.

June 20, 2016

Central European Initiative Discusses Refugee Crisis in Banja Luka

Foreign Ministers of the 18 member states of the Central European Initiative (CEI) met in Bosnia Herzegovina, which holds the initiative’s annual rotating Chairmanship this year. Discussions mainly focused on the refugee crisis and potential solutions.

June 20, 2016

Symposium in Vienna: "Current Security Challenges for Europe: NATO, its Partners and the Warsaw Summit"

The upcoming summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Warsaw from 8th to 9th July 2016 sees the organization facing numerous challenges. The withdrawal of combat troops from Afghanistan and rising tensions in the European area – from the conflict in Ukraine to the migration crisis, effected the question of the role of NATO’s Partnership for Peace under the new circumstances. A conference in Vienna with the working title "Current Security Challenges for Europe: NATO, its Partners and the Warsaw Summit" intends to discuss these and other pertinent issues.

June 16, 2016