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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
Austria Stuck in a Dilemma at the OSCE
Austria may cause some controversy at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna by letting sanctioned Russian politicians enter the country and granting them visas. Moreover, of all days, the Parliamentary Assembly will be held on February 23 and 24.
February 1, 2023
Premiere for the TechDiplomacy Talk at the Austrian Foreign Ministry
On the occasion of the Vienna visit of the United Nations Envoy for Technology, Under-Secretary-General Amandeep Singh Gill, a TechDiplomacy Talk was held at the Austrian Foreign Ministry. Read more about the premiere of the new format!
February 1, 2023
Minister Edtstadler Met With Hungarian Minister Varga in Vienna
Austrian Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler has met with the Hungarian Minister of Justice Judit Varga in Vienna where they talked about current challenges such as illegal immigration and the Russian aggression on Ukraine.
January 31, 2023
First Steps Towards the Establishment of a Shoah Center in Vienna
According to Oskar Deutsch, president of the Jewish Community Vienna (IKG), a memorial similar to those in Israel and the U.S. should also exist in Austria. Minister of Constitution Karoline Edtstadler supports such steps towards the establishment of a Shoah Center in Vienna.
January 31, 2023
OSCE Condemns Russia’s Decision to Outlaw Independent News Outlet Meduza
Moscow continues its campaign against opposition Russian media with unabated vigor. The Riga-based web portal "Meduza" is banned completely in Russia. The OSCE denounced the Russian authorities’ decision to outlaw one of the most popular Russian-language news portals.
January 31, 2023
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Bujar Osmani Will Visit Brussels
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairperson-in-Office and Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani will visit Brussels to meet with EU and NATO Officials.
January 30, 2023
Wikimedia Austria Awards Prize for Free Knowledge 2023 at Viennese Ball of Science
The Austrian Prize for Free Knowledge honors people and organizations that communicate knowledge under a free license. The award ceremony took place at the Vienna Ball of Science in the presence of Federal Minister Leonore Gewessler, Mayor Michael Ludwig and City Councilor Veronica Kaup-Hasler.
January 30, 2023
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte Met with Chancellor Nehammer
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer Welcomed Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Vienna. Their main topic of discussion was migration and requesting EU regulations regarding the external borders.
January 30, 2023
Chancellor Nehammer Visited Georgia
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has visited Georgia and expressed his support for the country’s EU integration. He also understood the complicated situation and showed comprehension regarding the Russia sanctions.
January 30, 2023
Thriller Surrounding Ex-Chief of Belarusian Raiffeisen Subsidiary
The head of the Belarusian Raiffeisen subsidiary Priorbank and ex-honorary consul of Austria in Belarus has now been released after a period of imprisonment. The Austrian diplomat Sergey Kostyuchenko, who is said to have made great contributions to bilateral relations between Minsk and Vienna, was a political prisoner of Alexander Lukashenko's regime over the last year.
January 30, 2023
IAEA Pushes for a Safe Zone in Zaporizhzhia
Due to recent attacks in Zaporizhzhia, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) once again called to establish a security zone at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
January 29, 2023
EU Extends Sanctions Against Russia
The European Union is extending its economic sanctions against the Russian Federation for the aggression in Ukraine. The sanctions will be extended for a half year now.
January 29, 2023
Joint Commemoration of the Victims of the Shoah
On the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, representatives of the Israeli Religious Community, the Roma, the Government of Austria, the Embassy of Israel in Vienna and the humanist parliamentary parties commemorated the victims of the Shoah.
January 29, 2023
International Vaccine Institute Opens an Austrian Office
International Vaccine Institute (IVI), an international health organization dedicated to developing, delivering, and evaluating vaccines for global health, announced the opening of its Austrian Country Office.
January 26, 2023
Moscow Bans Oldest Russian Human Rights NGO Related to OSCE
A court in the Russian capital has ordered the closure of the Moscow Helsinki Group, a human rights organization founded in Soviet times. The Russian Justice Ministry's request for liquidation was granted, Judge Mikhail Kazakov ruled in the Moscow City Court. The OSCE strongly condemns this, especially since the Helsinki Group is linked with the establishment of the OSCE itself.
January 26, 2023
French Embassy in Vienna Awards Academic Palms
The French Ambassador to Austria, Gilles Pécout, presented the Academic Palm to four personalities during a ceremony at the Embassy in the presence of the Austrian Federal Minister for Europe and Constitution, Karoline Edtstadtler.
January 25, 2023
United States Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh Visits Austria
Marty Walsh, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, visited Austria and learned about best practices in apprenticeship training from several government and industry representatives. This was a further expansion of bilateral relations based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2022 to strengthen cooperation between the U.S. and Austria in apprenticeship training.
January 25, 2023
Italy Initiates EU Proceedings Against Austria
The Italian Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini has taken legal action against Austria. He has initiated an infringement procedure because of the transit driving bans in Tyrol.
January 25, 2023
Foreign Minister Schallenberg Has Met with OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmidt
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has met with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Secretary General Helga Maria Schmidt, where they highlighted the importance of the OSCE as a dialogue platform.
January 25, 2023
Mauthausen Memorial Research Award 2022 Awarded
The Mauthausen Memorial Research Award was presented for 2022 this year. The ceremonial presentation by the jury took place at the Vienna site of the concentration camp memorial. Two submissions convinced the jury of experts, consisting of representatives from contemporary history and memorial culture.
January 24, 2023
Bosnia and Herzegovina is the New FSC Chairmanship of the OSCE
Bosnia and Herzegovina was recently appointed to hold the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) Chairmanship for the first term of 2023. Each meeting's agenda is set by the Chairmanship, which emphasizes issues concerning the implementation of commitments adopted by the Forum. Bosnia and Herzegovina shows empathy with Ukraine, due to the country's own history of violent conflicts.
January 24, 2023
OSCE Vehicles Were Seen in the Donbass Region
Several Vehicles of the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) were reported to be seen in Luhansk near the Russian border. The OSCE came with an explanation afterward.
January 24, 2023
Schallenberg Attended the Foreign Council Affairs Meeting in Brussels
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg attended the Foreign Council Affair meeting in Brussels, where he talked about several topics regarding European Security and other subjects.
January 24, 2023
Chancellor Nehammer Requests Two Bio. Euros for Bulgaria’s Border Protection
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer asked the EU Commission for two Bio. Euros to support Bulgaria’s border control. Nehammer and the Minister of Interior Gerhard Karner observed the situation this week at the Bulgarian-Turkish border.
January 24, 2023
Accusations of Violence Against Designated Bangladeshi Ambassador to Austria
Former Bangladesh Foreign Director General Mohammad Tauhedul Islam is designated to be the next Bangladeshi Ambassador to Austria. However, he is facing serious accusations which are halting his next career move.
January 24, 2023
IAEA Chief Grossi and Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Visit Brussels
Austria recorded a small but significant diplomatic success at Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg's visit to the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. Already in the run-up to the meeting, the EU foreign ministers met Rafael Grossi, Director General of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on the initiative of Foreign Minister Schallenberg.
January 23, 2023
OPEC Fund Mobilizes $1 Billion for Development Financing
OPEC Fund for International Development mobilizes $1 billion for development finance with "groundbreaking" first SDG bond. The bond was priced based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) bonds, for which Credit Agricole CIB served as the sole sustainability advisor.
January 22, 2023
Cultural Policy Dialogue Between Austria and Liechtenstein
The regular exchange on cultural policy issues contributes to strengthening bilateral relations and cultural cooperation. The Cultural Section of the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs received a delegation from the Principality of Liechtenstein for cultural policy dialogue in Vienna.
January 22, 2023
Vienna Sends More Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine
The City of Vienna is continuing to assist Ukrainians during these tough times. This week, three trucks of relief supplies were loaded and sent to Ukraine, which contained hospital beds, medical devices, etc.
January 22, 2023
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Welcomed OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani in Kyiv
The Organisation for Cooperation and Security (OSCE) Chairman-in-Office and Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani met with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. Osmani ensured support for Ukraine during Russia’s “unjustified and unprovoked war”.
January 17, 2023 · Updated: January 20, 2023; 12:00
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Bujar Osmani Presented North Macedonia’s Plan at the Permanent Council
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairman-in-Office and Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani presented the country’s priorities and plans for the year 20223 at the permanent council. The top priority he addressed was Russia’s aggression on Ukraine.
January 12, 2023 · Updated: January 20, 2023; 12:00
Exchange of Topics Between Foreign Minister Schallenberg and his Counterpart of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met with his Macedonian counterpart Bujar Osmani, where they discussed several topics including topics regarding the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). From January 1, North Macedonia has taken over as the chair of the organization for this year.
January 11, 2023 · Updated: January 20, 2023; 12:00
North Macedonia Takes Over OSCE Chair for 2023
From January 1, 2023, North Macedonia takes over the OSCE Chair. In addition to the focus on the crisis regions and above all the military aggression against Ukraine, the country's priorities as chairman will be the re-affirmation of the benefits of the OSCE and the restoration of dialogue and trust.
January 2, 2023 · Updated: January 20, 2023; 12:00
Foreign Minister Schallenberg Met With His Macedonian Counterpart Bujar Osmani
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg had a meeting with his counterpart of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani. Since North Macedonia will hold the OSCE Chairmanship in 2023, they discussed a lot of OSCE-related topics.
December 14, 2022 · Updated: January 20, 2023; 12:00
Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani Visits Vienna
The Foreign Minister of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, met in Vienna with the Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, as well as with the OSCE leadership, as North Macedonia will assume the OSCE Chairmanship for 2023.
September 1, 2022 · Updated: January 20, 2023; 12:00
Austrian President Van der Bellen Admits Mistakes Regarding Putin
In a recent interview, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen explained how he feels about obvious mistakes made during his first term in office. In his opinion, this also includes his words of praise for Austrian-Russian relations and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
January 19, 2023
Romania’s Ambassador to Austria Returns to his Position
Romania’s Ambassador to Austria Emil Hurezeanu is returning to its position in Vienna. He was recalled after Austria blocked Romania’s Schengen accession in December.
January 19, 2023
Serbia's Complicated Relationship with Russia
Serbia's relatively close relationship with Russia, while based on a somewhat haggard history, has been rather positive in recent years. Since Russia's attack, but also before, this relationship has been crumbling more and more. There are several reasons for this, some of which are currently intensifying.
January 19, 2023
IAEA Observers Will Remain Permanently in Chernobyl
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will establish a permanent observing mission in Tschernobyl. This is to prevent accidents from happening at nuclear reactors.
January 18, 2023
Austrian Companies Remain Strong in Russia
Many Austrian companies are active in Eastern Europe, especially in the Balkans, Ukraine and Russia. Especially in Russia, the activity of Austrian companies has been very successful but is controversial due to the Russian attack on Ukraine. According to research by the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), almost a year after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, two-thirds of the previously present companies from Austria are still active in Russia.
January 18, 2023
German Chamber of Commerce in Austria Organized New Year's Reception 2023 in Graz
After two years of interruption, the traditional joint New Year's reception of the German Chamber of Commerce in Austria (DHK) could finally be held again. The cultivated atmosphere of the auditorium of the Old University of Graz provided the setting for the event, which was attended by around 200 representatives of the Styrian business community.
January 18, 2023
Ukraine Criticises Schallenbergs Statement
Ukraine has criticized Austrian Foreign Ministers’ statement of “overshooting the mark” regarding the visa ban on Russian citizens. Ukrainian officials are not pleased with this statement and Invited Alexander Schallenberg to Dnipro.
January 17, 2023
Armenian Foreign Minister Visits Vienna Because of Nagorno-Karabakh's Worsening Humanitarian Situation
Armenia's Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan is currently on a working visit to Vienna to participate in the Special Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council initiated by Armenia, due to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. In addition, Mirzoyan met with Ghada Fathi Waly, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna and with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.
January 17, 2023
First Meeting Between Austrian and French Foreign Ministers in Paris
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg traveled to Paris for various working talks and meeting to strengthen Franco-Austrian relations. There was also the first bilateral meeting between Austria's Schallenberg and France's Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna.
January 17, 2023
Swiss President Alain Berset Visited Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen welcomed the newly inaugurated Swiss President Alain Berset. It is a tradition that newly inaugurated Swiss Presidents make their first state visits abroad in Austria. Berset also met with Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, and many more Austrian politicians.
January 16, 2023
Large Natural Gas Field Found in Austria
The small town of Molln in Upper Austria could make an important contribution to the gas supply of the entire country in the next few years if the conjectures prove true. Test drilling is said to have already taken place, therefore it is known that the gas is of the best quality. The Australian company ADX Energy wants to start drilling for it this spring.
January 16, 2023
Foreign Minister Schallenberg Calls for Non-Exaggeration Regarding Russia
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has said that we should not punish 144 million Russians regarding their visas for entering the EU. He said that we should unequivocally support Ukraine, but also keep the diplomatic path open with Russia.
January 16, 2023
Austria Helps Secure Airspace for World Economic Forum in Davos
Davos, Switzerland, which is located close to the Austrian border, will once again host the World Economic Forum. The Austrian Armed Forces are helping Switzerland with air surveillance on Austrian territory.
January 16, 2023
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti Visited Vienna
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti visited Vienna, where he met with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and then held a speech at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna in the evening.
January 16, 2023
Two Young Ukrainians Were Taken to Moskau
Two young Ukrainians have been brought from Tyrol to Moscow without noticing the responsible Ukrainian authorities. An employee from the state of Tyrol and the European Ombudsman office is said to have been involved in bringing young people to Moscow as part of family reunification that was not coordinated with the Ukrainian authorities.
January 15, 2023
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