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
Illegal Migration: Austria Calls for More Coordination and Cooperation on Eastern Mediterranean Routes
Agreement reached at the Ministerial Conference to Combat Illegal Migration on the Eastern Mediterranean Routes in Vienna. It was decided to establish a platform for the fight against illegal migration.
July 24, 2020
New Georgian Ambassador to Austria Has Taken Up Her Post
H.E. Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, the newly appointed Ambassador of Georgia to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations and former Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality in Georgia, has handed over her credentials to the Foreign Ministry and the UNOV United Nations Office at Vienna. She succeeds H.E. Mr. David Dondua in this position.
July 21, 2020
Coronavirus in Austria: Update
The coronavirus pandemic has also hit Austria, and deaths and infections caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are still on the rise. New officially confirmed cases of disease are constantly being added. Despite this outbreak in Austria, the situation looks much worse elsewhere. In contrast, however, there are more than 610,797 deaths worldwide due to the Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The Austrian health authorities are networked with the relevant bodies within the framework of WHO and EU membership and are in permanent coordination. The international authorities monitor current developments and address the member countries with the following recommendations.
July 20, 2020
Coronavirus Worldwide Update
Worldwide deaths has exceed 610,000, according to data collected by the ECDC Centre in Sweden. More than 14.7 million people have been infected, while some 8.6 million have recovered. According to the WHO World Health Organisation, the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is still the USA, where there are already more than 140,000 deaths. The number of infected and dead continues to rise sharply in most countries. Following is the situation update as of July 22, 2020.
July 20, 2020
Meet the New Ambassador of India to Austria: H.E. Mr. Jaideep Mazumdar
The new Ambassador of the Republic of India to Austria, H.E. Mr. Jaideep Mazumdar presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
July 12, 2020 · Updated: July 15, 2020; 10:10
Landing Ban at Austrian Airports Extended from 10 to 18 Countries
In the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, Austria will reinforce the landing bans for aircraft from COVID-19 risk areas as of Thursday, 16 July. Thus, landing bans will apply to aircraft from the following countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Iran, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Sweden, United Kingdom and Ukraine.
July 14, 2020
Austria's Foreign Minister: Hagia Sophia To Be Turned Into a Mosque Is the Latest Link in a Chain of Provocations
Turkey is moving further and further away from European values and is simply not a reliable partner for Europe. The EU must conduct a policy towards Turkey with a strong edge and clear language, based on a solid foundation of values. The EU should also make a clear cut when it comes to accession negotiations.
July 13, 2020
25 Years Srebrenica: Austria Commemorates the Victims of the Greatest Genocide in Europe since the End of the Second World War
The genocide of Srebrenica, the worst crime in Europe since the end of the Second World War, is currently being commemorated for the 25th time. This day of remembrance serves to commemorate the thousands of murdered people who lost their lives in the days after 10 July 1995.
July 13, 2020
Meet the New Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Austria: H.E. Mr. Majintha Jayesinghe
The new Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Austria, H.E. Mr. Majintha Joseph Priye Jayesinghe presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
July 12, 2020 · Updated: July 13, 2020; 10:25
Meet the New Ambassador of North Korea to Austria: H.E. Mr. Choe Kang Il
The new Ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to Austria, H.E. Mr. Choe Kang Il presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
July 12, 2020 · Updated: July 13, 2020; 10:25
Meet the New Ambassador of Mexico to Austria: H.E. Mr. Luis Javier Campuzano Piña
The new Ambassador of the United Mexican States to Austria, the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Slovenia, H.E. Mr. Luis Javier Campuzano Piña presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg. He is also the new Permanent Representative of Mexico to the international organizations in Vienna.
July 12, 2020 · Updated: July 13, 2020; 10:20
Indo-Austrian Trade and Investment Opportunities Post Covid-19
The FIEO - Federation of Indian Export Organisations is organising an interactive video conference session on “Trade & Investment Opportunities between India & Austria - Post Covid-19” with H.E Mr. Jaideep Mazumdar, the new Ambassador of India to Austria on Tuesday, 29th July, 2020.
July 13, 2020 · Sponsored Content
Vienna Welcomes New Ambassadors from North Korea, Iran, India, Sri Lanka and Mexico
Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen welcomed the five newly accredited Ambassadors of the Republic of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Republic of India and the United Mexican States to Austria to the Presidential Chancellery of the Vienna Imperial Palace for the presentation of their letters of accreditation.
July 12, 2020
The International Organization of la Francophonie's Nakseu Nguefang Presents Credentials
The new Permanent Representative of the International Organization of la Francophonie (OIF) to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Mr. Georges Nakseu Nguefang, presented his credentials to the Director-General of UNOV.
July 10, 2020
Stricter Border Controls and Travel Warning for Western Balkans, Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova
Due to the high infection rates in these countries, Austria declares the highest security level. Anyone who travels to Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova or, for example, to the countries of the Western Balkans, despite an upright travel warning, must undergo a 14-day home quarantine or a negative covid test upon returning to Austria. This is not a recommendation, but a legal regulation. Fines of up to 1,450 euros will be imposed.
July 8, 2020
New Luxury Hotel To Come To Vienna: The Mandarin Oriental Vienna
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, a Southeast Asian hotel chain that operates luxury 5-star hotels, is establishing a hotel in Vienna and invests 100 million euros.
July 8, 2020
COVID-19 and the Situation of Refugees in Austria
A research project at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW - Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften) reveals the situation of refugees in Austria in the midst of the Corona crisis.
June 25, 2020
Disarmament Talks Russia-USA in Vienna
Representatives from the USA and Russia are currently meeting in Vienna's Palais Niederösterreich to rescue the last active nuclear disarmament treaty "New Start".
June 22, 2020
Arab - Austrian Expert Forum on the Economic Challenges in Light of Corona Pandemic
The economic obstacles that the Arab world faces due to the wide spread of the coronavirus, the enormous medical efforts that are being made to find a cure for this virus, and the challenges that the economic and trade relations between Arab countries and Austria in particular face in times of the coronavirus, were the main topics that centered around the geneticist and molecular immunologist Prof. Dr. Josef Penninger.
June 22, 2020
Novartis Opens Production Facility for Innovative Eye Retina Product in Tyrol
The pharmaceutical company Novartis is investing EUR 27.4 million in the Kundl site in Tyrol to produce an active ingredient for a new therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration with 40 employees.
June 20, 2020
Human Rights Violations: King Abdullah Center Moves from Vienna to Geneva
After years of criticism, and after the Austrian National Council decided to close it down last year, the controversial Abdullah Centre in Vienna is now apparently leaving Austria and moving to Switzerland.
June 19, 2020
New Permanent Representative of North Korea in Vienna Presented Credentials and Replaces Long-term Diplomat
The new Permanent Representative of North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) to the United Nations, Mr. Choe Kang Il, who was already stationed in Vienna from 2011 to 2015, presented his credentials to the Director-General of UNOV, Ghada Waly. He replaces Mr. Kim Kwang Sop, who, for 27 years has been the highest North Korean diplomat in Austria.
June 19, 2020
Another COVID Casualty: Austrian Airline Discontinues Flight Operations
The Austrian low-cost airline "Level" and subsidiary of British Airways (IAG International Airlines Group) has discontinued flight operations with immediate effect. The airline was hit hard economically by the consequences of the Covid 19 pandemic in Europe. A continuation of flight operations is not planned. About 200 employees in Vienna are affected by the bankruptcy.
June 19, 2020
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas Visiting Vienna
In preparation for Germany's EU Presidency in the second half of 2020, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas visited Austria and met Foreign Minister Schallenberg, among other things to restore normality in the area of freedom of travel as quickly as possible.
June 19, 2020
Embassy of Kenya in Vienna Endorses Kenya for Africa's Seat on UN Security Council
The Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kenya in Vienna, which serves the Kenyan diaspora in Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia and Croatia, endorses Kenya’s bid for one of the five vacant slots reserved for non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Within Africa, Djibouti is still vying for the seat on the UN Security Council.
June 17, 2020
Austria's Contribution to the "Conference on the Future of Europe"
Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler started her Austria Dialogues on the Conference on the Future of Europe (Konferenz zur Zukunft Europas) with a series of talks with representatives of the Federal Provinces, mayors and EU municipal councils.
June 9, 2020
New Permanent Representative of Kenya Presented Credentials to UN and IAEA
The new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Kenya to the IAEA and the United Nations in Vienna, Robinson Njeru Githae, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the IAE, Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi.
June 9, 2020
Austrian Airlines Deal: EUR 450 Million for Vienna Hub Guarantee
The Lufthansa subsidiary will receive EUR 450 million from the Republic of Austria, EUR 300 million of which as a loan guarantee and EUR 150 million as equity.
June 9, 2020
Croatia Welcomes Announcement of the Opening of the Austrian Border
After heavy criticism from Croatia, and after Austria was accused of sabotaging the tourist season in Croatia, the Croats now welcome the imminent opening of the border.
June 9, 2020
Opening of Borders between Austria and Italy from 16 June
As of next Tuesday, complete freedom of movement will once again apply at the Austrian-Italian border. The decision will be officially announced on Wednesday.
June 9, 2020
Coronavirus in Austria: Live-Ticker (Our live coverage has now concluded)
On this website you can find information and guidance in English from Vindobona.org regarding the current outbreak of the coronavirus pandemie (COVID-19) in Austria. Vindobona.org is being informed by local Austrian and global health authorities to rapidly disseminate information and knowledge on this new virus, and to provide advice to travellers and expats on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak. Please visit this page for daily updates.
April 17, 2020 · Updated: June 9, 2020; 17:35
Deal: Bail-out for Austrian Airlines
According to media reports, AUA Austrian Airlines is to receive a total of EUR 600 million and thus retain its Austrian headquarters.
June 8, 2020
OFID - Austria Headquarters Agreement Updated
An amendment to the Headquarters Agreement between the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) and Austria in respect of the privileges and immunities granted therein has revised the 1981 Convention.
June 4, 2020
Austria: No more Border Controls with Neighbouring Countries except Italy
Restrictions on freedom of travel due to the Corona pandemic will be discontinued. The only country for which restrictions remain in place for the time being is Italy. A further evaluation is planned next week.
June 3, 2020
Investing in Vienna: All-time High for the Settlement of International Companies
In 2019, the City of Vienna in cooperation with the Austrian Business Agency (ABA) was able for the eighth time in a row to set a new settlement record with 266 international companies settling in the city. With 25 companies settling in Vienna, the USA came second in the list of the ten most important countries of origin, behind Germany with 61 projects.
June 2, 2020
Jewish World Congress and Austria Agree: Hezbollah is a Terrorist Organization
Following the Austrian National Council's decision that the EU should reassess its dealings with Hezbollah, as Austrian MPs see it as a terrorist organisation, the President of the World Jewish Congress, Ronald S. Lauder, welcomed this decision.
June 1, 2020
Visit to the Western Balkans by Foreign Minister Schallenberg and European Affairs Minister Edtstadler
A trip to the Western Balkans by Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and European Affairs Minister Karoline Edtstadler took the two Austrian People's Party politicians to Albania, Serbia and Kosovo.
June 1, 2020
Austrian Airlines to Resume Flight Operations on 15 June
After an interruption of almost three months, Austrian Airlines will resume flight operations to selected destinations in Europe and Tel Aviv from mid-June onwards. Since no neighbouring seats will be kept empty in case of demand, bold passengers will again be able to fly to up to 40 destinations by the end of June. For specific destinations, see below.
May 28, 2020
Croatia to Open Its Borders for Austrians
As of 29 May Croatia will open its borders for Austrian, Slovak, Czech and Hungarian citizens, Croatian Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli said in a statement. Additionally, the Croatian Ministry of Interior Affairs gave detailed information on requirements for entry in Croatia.
May 22, 2020
Ryanair's Laudamotion to Close Vienna Base
Laudamotion closes its base in Vienna on 29 May, 300 people lose their jobs. The trade union Vida did not agree to an ultimatum by the airline, which would have brought a new collective agreement with significantly lower wages.
May 22, 2020
War for Global Telecom Infrastructure Supremacy: Vienna first EU Capital with Area-wide 5G Network
While the Third World War is raging backstage between the USA and China for world supremacy in 5G infrastructure, Huawei wins another milestone in Vienna. Digital City Councilor Peter Hanke has set the goal "Vienna should become the first city in Europe with a complete 5G network". The city is supporting the network expansion with 20 million euros.
May 18, 2020
Postcorona Future: American and Austrian Artists Engage in Virtual Dialogues
Austrian diplomatic institutions in the USA have joined forces under the auspices of the Austrian Cultural Forum Washington in order to give artists on both sides of the Atlantic, whose existence is threatened by the Corona crisis, the opportunity of a virtual vernissage "No-Place like the Future", because artists have to be connected with other people, with their artist colleagues and with the world as a whole in order to be themselves.
May 14, 2020
Austria and Germany Agree to Open Borders on 15 June
The gradual opening of the borders between Austria, Germany and Switzerland will begin as early as Friday. From May 15th onwards there will only be spot checks at the borders between Austria and Germany, both countries announced. From 15 June, the borders are to be opened completely. Opening to Italy is not an issue for the time being.
May 13, 2020
What Does Dr. Karin Kneissl Do?
The former Foreign Minister (55) lives in Seibersdorf near Vienna and works again as an energy analyst and author of books on geopolitics, the energy industry and International relations. A columnist's article on the future of the automobile on the Russian state broadcaster Russia Today (RT), in order to market her new book "Die Mobilitätswende" (Mobility Turnaround), is attracting attention in the Austrian media.
May 13, 2020
Coronavirus in Austria: Live-Ticker (Our live coverage has now concluded)
This live ticker has been terminated. Our live coverage has now concluded.
May 1, 2020
Financier Ronny Pecik Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Immofinanz
Croatian-Austrian star investor and largest single investor becomes CEO of commercial real estate group Immofinanz AG.
April 23, 2020
Coronavirus in Europe: Update
European coronavirus infections have passed 1,000,000. The number of deaths has now reached 166,007. According to the WHO World Health Organisation, the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is still in Europe, together with the US, where there are now more deaths than in the rest of the world. The number of infected and dead people is still doubling every four days in most European countries. Most of the 32 European countries presented in this study are under a state of emergency with curfews and border controls. There is also a lack of doctors, lung respiratory equipment and hospital beds. Following the situation update for the European Union, EEA, United Kingdom and Switzerland, as of April 21, 2020.
April 21, 2020
Easier Access to Austria for Commuters from Abroad
"Ongoing consultations with Austria's neighbouring countries are making life easier for commuters from abroad", says European Affairs Minister Karoline Edtstadler.
April 14, 2020
Review of the Austrian Repatriation and Emergency Flights Programme
A total of more than 7,500 persons were brought back safely to Austria in 39 flights organised by the Foreign Ministry.
April 13, 2020
AmCham Austria Appointed New Executive Director
Susanne Reisinger-Anders has already been in charge of marketing for two years and now succeeds Daniela Homan as the new Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Vienna.
April 8, 2020
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