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Austria - European Union Political News
Read the latest headlines about developments in Austrian - European Union (Brussels) politics with reference to the international interest
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Germany Extends Entry Ban for Tyrol
The German government has decided to extend its entry ban for Tyrol until March 3, 2021. The German Health Minister Spahn sees this step as "necessary" in order to prevent the South African Covid-19 mutation from spreading in Germany. Austria's government and the EU Commission demand more coordination and dicussion.
February 16, 2021
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Austria's and EU's GDP Forecast Gives Hope
In the EU winter forecast for the level of economic output in the near future, Austria's and the whole Euro area's GDPs are said to grow by almost 4 percent in 2021 and 2022. Although the economies declined in the fourth quarter of 2020 and first quarter of 2021 due to the impact of the second wave, the economic outlook is still promising for the remainder of 2021 and 2022.
February 12, 2021
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Greek Foreign Minister Meets Edtstadler in Vienna
The Greek Foreign Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis and Austria's Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler met in Vienna to discuss the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Both ministers agreed that a uniform EU-wide vaccination certificate would be the key to mobility and travel within the European Union.
February 11, 2021
European Year of Rail: Inauguration of EU Locomotive in Vienna
The European Year of Rail wants to highlight the advantages of rail as as safe and sustainable means of transportation. For this occasion, a specially branded EU locomotive was inaugurated at the Vienna Central Station by Austria's Climate Protection Minister Gewessler, representative of the European Commission in Austria Selmayr, and Austrian Railways CEO Matthä.
February 11, 2021
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How the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement Benefits Austria
The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) celebrates its second anniversary by adding 28 protected geographical indications, one of them important for Austria, and facilitating trade in wine and vehicles. The agreement does not only benefit the EU as a whole, but has also immediate impact on Austria's economy.
February 8, 2021
Slovenia's Foreign Minister and State Secretary Met Edtstadler
Slovenia's Foreign Minister Anže Logar and State Secretary Gasper Dovžan met with Austria's Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler in Ljubljana to discuss about a possible European vaccination certificate, EU enlargement and about the future of the European Union.
February 8, 2021
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Austrian "Stopp Corona" App Connected to Other EU Countries
The "Stopp Corona" app by the Austrian Red Cross goes international. The app has been connected to EU-wide data matching and will thus communicate with currently 11 other warning apps. This allows for an interconnected warning system that is important for travel abroad within the European Union.
February 5, 2021
Edtstadler in Paris: Meetings with Secretaries of State and Chief Rabbi
In order to discuss Covid-19 coordination and the fight against terrorism and anti-Semitism, Austria's Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler has traveled to Paris, France and met with, among others, Secretary of State for Europe Clément Beaune and Chief Rabbi of France Haim Korsia.
February 2, 2021
President of European Parliament and Sobotka Exchanged Views
David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, and Wolfgang Sobotka, Austria's National Council President, met virtually to discuss the current situation regarding the Covid-19 vaccines. The agenda of the meeting also comprised discussions about an EU-wide Holocaust commemoration and the future of the EU.
February 1, 2021
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Third Covid-19 Vaccine: Only Approval for 18 to 64 Years Olds in Austria
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved a third Covid-19 vaccine - produced by Astra Zeneca. However, Austria's National Immunization Panel has recommended the use of the newest of the three vaccines only for the age groups below 65 due to a lack of sufficient data for older generations.
February 1, 2021
Blümel: EU's Raise of State Aid is Necessary Step
The European Commission has extended its framework for state aid to support companies that are affected by Covid-19. In addition to the extension, the current thresholds have been raised, which was a highly necessary decision according to Austria's Finance Minister Gernot Blümel.
January 29, 2021
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European Battery Initiative Launches With Austrian Participation
The European Commission has approved a EUR 11.9 billion large-scale battery project. Austria will play a decisive role in this initiative having involved six companies. The aim of the project is to create a competitive, innovative and sustainable value chain for batteries and thus working towards achieving the European Green Deal.
January 28, 2021
Covid-19 Vaccine: Austria Awaits Approval for AstraZeneca
The European Union's third Covid-19 vaccine might be approved very soon. A decision by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is expected by January 25, 2021. Austria's vaccination plan relies heavily on this third vaccine, although delivery shortages in the first months after approval have already been announced.
January 25, 2021
EU Future Conference: Edtstadler Demands Action
At an an informal video conference of the EU's Ministers for European Affairs, Austria's responsible Minister, Karoline Edtstadler, once again demanded an early start of the EU Future Conference. Although the Covid-19 pandemic might have shown some strengths and weaknesses of the current EU, Edtstadler demands a clear path into the future of the Union.
January 25, 2021
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New US Presidency: Austria and EU Welcome New Chapter
Joe Biden, as new President of the United States, and Kamala Harris, as new Vice President, were inaugurated on January 20, 2021. The reactions from politicians throughout the European Union and Austria to the inauguration and the President's first acts were filled with hope and positivity.
January 22, 2021
Brexit: Austria to Receive EUR 16.8 Million to Cushion Impact
To alleviate the likely negative effects of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, the European Commission has set up a reserve, from which EU member states will receive funding. Austria is entitled to EUR 16.8 million, while other member states, which have closer trade links to the leaving party, will receive more.
January 15, 2021
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Brexit Has Lasting Impact on Erasmus
The Brexit has a huge impact on the European economy and its people. One of the most discussed effects among the younger population is the end of the United Kingdom's participation in the Erasmus+ program. Thousands of European and British students are affected and will now need to seek other opportunities to further their studies abroad.
January 13, 2021
Additional 6 Million Doses of Covid-19 Vaccine for Austria
Due to the recent order activity of the European Union at BioNTech/Pfizer, Austria will receive an additional 6 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine - 1.5 million already in the second quarter of 2021. In total, the EU has secured itself the right for additional 300 million doses from BioNTech/Pfizer.
January 8, 2021
EMA Approves Second Covid-19 Vaccine: Austria Receives 890,000 Doses
The European Medical Agency (EMA) and the European Commission have approved the second Covid-19 vaccine for EU member states. The vaccine from the producer Moderna will provide Austria with another 890,000 doses in the first half of 2021. Austria's Health Minister expects approval for the vaccine from AstraZeneca by February.
January 7, 2021
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Schramböck: "UK Will Remain Important Partner in Europe"
Although the United Kingdom will be leaving the European Union's customs union and single market at the end of 2020, Austria's Economics Minister Schramböck assures that "Austria's companies will continue to play a significant role in the UK markets" in the future. The newly negotiated agreement between the UK and the EU will provide a proper framework for these business relations.
December 30, 2020
Selmayr and Beste Meet to Discuss German EU Council Presidency
Ralf Beste, Germany's ambassador to Austria, and his fellow countryman Martin Selmayr, representative of the European Commission in Austria, met to discuss the year of 2020 and the German Presidency of the EU Council, which will be ending on December 31. Both politicians underlined the importance of the European Union in finding solutions for international problems.
December 29, 2020
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Vienna's Air As Good As Never Before
Even without the lockdown, Vienna would have had a decent year with regard to air quality. Due to the city's investment into climate protective measures in the recent years, the pollution level has decreased and has lead to the best air quality since measurements began 50 years ago.
December 29, 2020
Brexit Agreement: Federation of Austrian Industries and WKO Welcome Agreement
With regard to the finalized Brexit negotiations, the Federation of Austrian Industries and Chamber of Commerce showed themselves relieved after the EU and the United Kingdom have finally come to an agreement which will regulate the relations between the leaving party and the member countries of the European Union starting from January 1, 2021.
December 28, 2020
WKO: Importance of Trade Agreements
The chairman of the Federal Board for Foreign Trade in the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO), Karl Pisec, underlines the importance of international trade agreements for the European Union as well as for Austria. As an example to show benefits of trade agreements, he uses the EU's agreement with the Mercosur states and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in Asia.
December 23, 2020
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Covid-19 Vaccine: Austria Starts on December 27
The vaccination process against Covid-19 in Austria will start on December 27. As already announced by the President of the European Commission Von der Leyen, the vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer is distributed in the upcoming days, making a vaccination start before 2021 possible.
December 23, 2020
Legal Certainty for British in Austria
Austria gives Britons in Austria legal certainty with regard to residence. Although the United Kingdom left the European Union at the beginning of this year, the European Union and many member countries for themselves have ensured a smooth transitions for British citizens currently residing in EU countries.
December 22, 2020
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Austria Ranks Fifth in Share of Renewable Energy Sources
In a newly published report by the European statistics office Eurostat, Austria is one of the most environmental-friendly EU member countries with regard to energy sources. Austria ranks fifth in a statistics that gathers data about the share of renewable energy sources in the total gross energy consumption of a country.
December 21, 2020
North Macedonia's Foreign Minister Visited Schallenberg
North Macedonia's Foreign Minister Osmani visited Vienna and met his Austrian counterpart Schallenberg to discuss the ongoing EU accession process of his country and the Covid-19 pandemic. Both parties are eager to start negotiations about the accession as soon as possible.
December 21, 2020
EMA Approves Covid-19 Vaccine
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended the approval of a Covid-19 vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer. Ultimately, the European Commission granted approval and the first vaccine will be used on December 27. Further Covid-19 vaccinations are awaiting approvals in the upcoming weeks.
December 21, 2020
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Portuguese Foreign Minister Met Schallenberg
Portuguese Foreign Minister Santos Silva welcomed his Austrian counterpart Schallenberg for a working meeting in Portugal's capital Lisboa. The two ministers met prior to Portugal's upcoming EU Presidency to discuss the key issues that will be addressed during that time. These include the transatlantic relations as well as relations with the African continent, accession negotiations with Western Balkan countries and the social and economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
December 14, 2020 · Updated: December 21, 2020; 10:55
Czech President of the Parliament Met Sobotka
The Czech and Austrian Presidents of the Parliaments, Vondráček and Sobotka, met virtually to discuss the experiences of the pandemic and EU topics, such as the accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania, the EU's financial framework and the EU budget negotiations.
December 1, 2020 · Updated: December 21, 2020; 10:55
ECJ Bans Exhaust Software: Anschober and Gewessler Demand Changes
The European Court of Justice has decided to ban software used to embellish exhaust emission values in diesel cars. Austria's Climate Protection Minister Gewessler and Consumer Protection Minister Anschober hope for a move by the car manufacturers in order to provide retrofits and compensate injured consumers.
December 17, 2020
European Space Agency Appoints Austrian Director General
The European Space Agency (ESA) has appointed an Austrian as its Director General. Dr. Josef Aschbacher will be taking over the position as the head of the ESA in July 2021 and will serve for four years. The Austrian has worked for the ESA several decades already and will now enter the "cockpit" of the Agency.
December 17, 2020
Funding for Erasmus Program Is Increased
One of the European Union's most successful programs, the Erasmus+, will once again receive an increase of funding. In 2019 alone, the program supported almost 1 million learning stays abroad and provided funding for more than 100,000 organizations and about 25,000 projects.
December 16, 2020
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Von der Leyen Hopes for Joint Start of Covid-19 Vaccinations
EU Commission President Von der Leyen wants a joint and rapid start of Covid-19 vaccinations for all EU member countries. After the likely approval of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), vaccines will be distributed among the member states and vaccination will start immediately.
December 16, 2020
Re-Invent the EU: Austria Discusses the European Union
The future of the European Union is at stake. Austrian politicians and EU experts discuss the future of the Union in Austria in order to "make Europe a little bit better every day". A series of debates, conferences and other events are initiated to make sure that Austria stays in the right track when it comes to its contribution to the European Union.
December 15, 2020
European Innovation Council Funds Austrian Projects
Two projects with Austrian-based research are involved in a new funding project of the EU's European Innovation Council. A total amount of EUR 74 million is distributed among 18 projects that research in cutting-edge technologies. Additionally to the funding, coaching and business development supported is provided by the Council.
December 14, 2020
New European Climate Target: Kurz and Gewessler Delilghted
The European Council has agreed on a new climate target for 2030. The member states want to decrease annual greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent and also take other steps on their path to climate neutrality until 2050. Austria's Chancellor Kurz and Minister Gewessler are pleased with the agreement.
December 11, 2020
European Council: Kurz Hopes for Rapid Approval of Vaccine
Prior to the European Council, Austria's Chancellor Kurz hopes for a rather fast approval process of a Covid-19 vaccine and is looking forward to a succession of close cooperation between the EU and the United States. Other relevant topics for the Council will be sanctions for Turkey, Brexit negotiations, EU climate targets, and the joint fight against terrorism.
December 10, 2020
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Exhibition "25 Years of Austria in the EU - Growing in EUrope"
Since this year marked the 25th anniversary of Austria as a member country of the EU, the House of the EU in Vienna will display an appropriate exhibition in its windows until January 7, 2020. This exhibition can also be viewed virtually through a 3D tour, in case a visit to the EU House will not work out.
December 10, 2020
WKO and IV: Need for "Climate Protection with Common Sense"
The heads of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) and the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) demand appropriate framework conditions for climate-friendly behavior instead of the race for ever higher climate targets. Both Secretary Generals want "climate protection with common sense".
December 10, 2020
Selmayr Visits Van der Bellen
Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Austria, Martin Selmayr, visited Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen prior to the upcoming European Council. The two politicians discussed current issues in Europea including the Covid-19 pandemic, the relations with the United States and the Brexit negotiations with the United Kingdom.
December 9, 2020
EU Ministers Issue Declaration on "Digital Government"
The EU Ministers responsible for Digitalization have agreed on a joint declaration that focuses on digital society and value-based digital government. Austria's Minister Schramböck sees Austria already on the right track with its various e-government tools and is delighted about the European plans.
December 9, 2020
Schramböck: Deepening Digitalization in the EU
The EU member states aim to create synergies between national research and investment initiatives and to ensure a coherent European approach with sufficient scope. Joint Support for European electronics value chains will try to establish leading capabilities in various digital competencies.
December 7, 2020
Schallenberg Wants to Work Shoulder to Shoulder with United States
At the Foreign Affairs Council of the EU in Brussels the Foreign Ministers discussed transatlantic relations, the continuing tensions with Turkey and current trouble spots such as Ethiopia and Belarus. Austria's Minister Schallenberg hopes for improved relations between the United States and the EU in the near future.
December 7, 2020
Edtstadler Welcomes European Democracy Action Plan
The European Commission has presented the European Democracy Action Plan with which the EU wants to promote basic human rights values and democracy worldwide. Austria's EU Minister Edtstadler welcomes this initiative and demands a clear focus on the digital area of the plan.
December 4, 2020
New EU Guidelines Relax Air Travelling
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) together with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have issued new guidelines for air travel, which should guide the member states in their respective decisions with regard to Covid-19 measures.
December 3, 2020
EU Multilateral Christmas Gala in Vienna
Vienna will be the host city of the EU Multilateral Christmas Gala taking place on December 19. The follow-up concert of the "TOGETHER as ONE" event in May will include a special and unique arrangement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony recorded live from the Schlosstheater Schönbrunn.
December 2, 2020
EU Ministers Discuss Reconstruction of Cultural Sector
The EU Ministers for Culture have come together virtually to discuss the reconstruction and the strengthening of the cultural sector. The current pandemic has shown how vulnerable this particular sector is and establishing proper measures in order to avoid similar downfalls in the future is the highest goal for the EU Ministers.
December 2, 2020
EIB Group Cooperates with Hypo Vorarlberg
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has decided to support Austria's economy by unlocking part of Hypo Vorarlberg's regulatory capital. These funds will be used to invest in energy efficiency projects which are directly in line with the EIB's commitment to increasing its climate action lending.
December 1, 2020
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