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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
EU Budget: Austrian Commissioner Hahn Welcomes New Agreement
For the first time ever, the disbursement of funds from the next EU budget will be directly connected to the rule of law of each member state. This was negotiated by representatives of the European Parliament and the Council; among them is Austria's EU Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn.
November 5, 2020
Dutch Foreign Minister in Vienna
The Dutch Foreign Minister Blok visits his Austrian counterpart Schallenberg to discuss EU's foreign and security policy, the fight against terrorism, and other current foreign relations issues. The Dutch politician also offered his condolences after the terror attack in Vienna,
November 5, 2020
70 Years of European Convention on Human Rights: "Democracy Needs Human Rights"
On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights, Constitutional Minister Edtstadler stated that human rights are a prerequisite for an democracy. She also sees the Islamic assassination in Vienna as an attack on the freedom and democracy in Austria and Europe.
November 4, 2020
Kurz: All of Europe in Middle of the Second Wave
At a video conference with all of the heads of state and government of the European Union, Chancellor Kurz and the other country heads discussed Covid-19 measures and a common approach of the EU. Since the second wave has already hit many of the member countries, better coordination than in the spring of this year is demanded by almost every country.
October 30, 2020
European Economic and Social Committee: Austrian Christa Schweng is New Head
The Austrian politician Christ Schweng is the new head of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). She is only the fifth woman to head the EU institution and will be in this position for the two and a half years. Her main goals for this period include to "make a decisive contribution to Europe's recovery and future resilience" with regard to the current crisis.
October 28, 2020
Spanish Secretary of State for EU Met Edtstadler
The Spanish Secretary of State for the EU González-Barba Pera met European Affairs Minister Edtstadler in Vienna to discuss the fight against Covid-19 and the cooperation on EU-level. Both sides agreed on the importance of a common effort by the European Union to tackle future problems.
October 28, 2020
Italian Interior Minister Met Nehammer
Italian Interior Minister Lamorgese welcomed her Austrian counterpart Nehammer for a working meeting in Rome. The main discussion topics were the fight against organized crime and illegal trafficking as well as strengthening repatriation agreements with third countries.
October 27, 2020
Hahn: European Commission Is Entering Top League of Global Financial Markets
With the issuing of social bonds worth EUR 17 billion, the European Commission tries to safeguard jobs and prevent the economy from collapsing in its member countries. Commission President von der Leyen as well as Austrian EU Budget Commissioner Hahn are pleased by this important step.
October 22, 2020
EU Health Agency Classifies Austria as Red
After rising infection rates in Austria, the EU has issued the highest warning stage and switched the traffic light to red. Although there are no binding regulations or recommendations in connection with the traffic light, a decrease in travel is to be expected.
October 19, 2020
EU Council: Kurz Demands Better Coordination of Restrictions
At the EU Council of the heads of state and government, Chancellor Kurz demands better coordination of travel restrictions, quarantine periods and testing with regard to Covid-19. Other topics on the agenda were the Brexit negotiations, foreign relations, and climate protection.
October 16, 2020
European Ministers Sign EU Cloud Declaration
At the Informal Council of EU Minister for Telecommunication and Digitalization the future of the EU with regard to security, exchange and use of data was discussed. Austrian Minister Schramböck is delighted about the progress made and the signing of the EU Cloud Declaration that should enable an even better exchange of data among member states.
October 15, 2020
Border Controls with Slovenia and Hungary Will be Extended
The border controls between the Slovenian-Austrian and Hungarian-Austrian border will be extended once again. Austria's Interior Minister Nehammer cited as reasons the "continuing migration pressure, maintenance of internal security and the tense situation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic".
October 14, 2020
EU Prize for Young Journalists Goes to Austrian
The European Commission celebrates two budding journalists from Austria and Portugal with the Megalizzi-Niedzielski Award 2020. Their commitment to quality journalism and to the values of the EU is highly appreciated by EU Commissioner Ferreira.
October 13, 2020
EU Introduces Covid-19 Traffic Light System to Clarify Travel Situation
The EU member states have agreed on a common system to coordinate travel restrictions with regard to Covid-19. Similar to the current Austrian system, the colors of a traffic light will indicate the risk of the particular areas within the EU borders.
October 13, 2020
Equality in the Job Market: Federal Minister Advocates For Improvements
At the informal meeting of EU ministers and at a discussion with EU Commissioner Helena Dalli, Austrian Minister for Women's Affairs Raab pleaded for a mix of measures to meet the current challenges on the labor market and to bring more women into future industries.
October 13, 2020
EU Foreign Affairs Council: Schallenberg Warns of Second Iron Curtain
At this month's EU Foreign Affairs Council, current foreign issues, such as developments in Belarus, in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the relations with Russia, were on the agenda. Austria was represented by Foreign Minister Schallenberg.
October 12, 2020
Federal Chamber of Commerce: Lockdown Is Unthinkable and Needs To Be Avoided
The heads of the Federal Chamber of Commerce emphasize the importance of avoiding a second lockdown due to rising Covid-19 cases in Austria. They also demand further support measures for the economy and particularly hope that the EU approves the planned fixed cost subsidy.
October 9, 2020
Belarusian Opposition Leader Tikhanovskaya Met Schallenberg
The famous Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who is currently trying to win the EU and European politicians over to help her and her supporters fight against the recent fraudulent election result, met Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Vienna.
October 8, 2020
Edtstadler Welcomes Progress in Accession Process of Western Balkan States
The European Commission has agreed on a financial package for economic integration of the Western Balkan states. The good developments in North Macedonia and Albania are not only welcomed by the European Union but also by Federal Minister Edtstadler.
October 8, 2020
Slovenian President will join Van der Bellen for "100 Years Carinthian Referendum"
For the first time ever, a Slovenian President will take part in the ceremony for "100 Years Carinthian Referendum". Slovenian Head of State Pahor will be joining his Austrian counterpart Van der Bellen for the celebrations.
October 7, 2020
Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Met Austrian Counterpart
The Swedish and Austrian Minister for EU Affairs have come together to discuss current EU topics which included migration policy, the joint fight against Covid-19 and recent developments between Great Britain and the EU regarding Brexit.
October 7, 2020
Schramböck: "Every New Infection Is a Potential Danger for the Business Location"
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Schramböck empasizes the importance of low infection rates for the business location. She demands more rigid measures for Vienna, which is currently the Covid-19 hotspot in Austria.
October 5, 2020
European Council Decides on Sanctions Against Belarus
The European Council which was attended by the heads of the 27 member countries decided on sanctions against Belarus as well as a threat of sanctions against Turkey. Chancellor Kurz, Autria's representative at the Council, is satisfied with the two-day long discussions.
October 5, 2020
Approval for EU Membership Remains High Among Austrians
A recent survey conducted by the Austrian Society for European Politics shows that the Covid-19 pandemic had only little or no effect on the approval for EU membership among the Austrian population. 70 percent of a representative sample wants to remain in the European Union.
October 2, 2020
EU Special Summit Deals with Foreign Policy Issues
The EU government heads have come together to discuss foreign policy issues in Brussels. Chancellor Kurz is representing Austria at the meeting and has already met with Council President Michel, EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Borrell and Commission President von der Leyen.
October 1, 2020
European Commission Publishes First Report on Rule of Law
The European Commission has published its first report on the rule of law among member countries. Although the European Union requires high standards, there are still some procedures that need revision in order to assure independency and proper democratic systems. Even Austria has some catching up to do.
October 1, 2020
Tourism Conference: Clear Regulations and Low Infection Rates Are Prerequisites
Tourism in Austria will be possible with clear regulations and low infection rates, according to Tourism Minister Köstinger. The Federal Minister met with representatives of the federal states to discuss how and in which form winter tourism will be possible this year.
September 29, 2020
International Discussion About Europe's Fundamental Values in Salzburg
Politicians from Hungary, Srpska, Albania, Slovakia and Austria came together in Salzburg to discuss the fundamental values of Europe. Democracy, inner-European cooperation and the fight against Covid-19 were only some of the main topics.
September 29, 2020
Ambassadors Traina and Turner at Austrian Media Days
US Ambassador Traina and British Ambassador Turner took part in a discussion about the world after corona at the Austrian News Days. Both recognized the rise of social media and its significant role in today's world.
September 24, 2020
EU eGovernment Benchmark 2020: Austria in Top 3
New services on oesterreich.gv.at and the "Digitales Amt" app are having an effect - Austria is one of the top nations in the Europe-wide comparison. Only Malta and Estonia received better results in this year's EU eGovernment Benchmark.
September 24, 2020
European Commission Approves Further EUR 4 Billion for Austrian Companies
Further EUR 4 billion intended to help Austrian companies sustain the Covid-19 crisis were approved by the European Commission. Grants and guarantees of up to EUR 800,000 per company can be given out in cases of hardship and danger of bankruptcy.
September 22, 2020
Schallenberg at Council of EU Foreign Ministers
The EU Foreign Ministers met in Brussels to discuss current issues such as developments in Belarus and Libya. Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg demands a "strong signal" from the EU towards the Belarusian government.
September 22, 2020
European Capital of Democracy Coming Soon
The newly formed initiative "European Capital of Democracy" will try to give civilization more access to democracy by supporting activities and events that aim to improve and strengthen democracy. The first capital will be selected next year.
September 21, 2020
Foreign Ministers of Central Five Meet in Slovenia
The heads of diplomacy of Slovenia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Austria conducted a working meeting with the topics being the fight against a possible second wave of rising Covid-19 cases and other foreign affairs issues.
September 16, 2020
Sacher Hotels Lay Off 140 Employees
The dramatic situation in Austria's tourism industry does not even spare one of the most prestigious hotels in Europe. The Sacher Hotels, located in Vienna and Salzburg, have announced the dismissal of 140 employees.
September 15, 2020
Slovak-3 Summit with Matovič, Babiš, and Kurz
The Slovak-3 Summit with the highest officials from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Austria took place in Vienna. The topics comprised cooperation in the fight against the pandemic and the overall relations between the three neighboring countries.
September 10, 2020
Eurogroup President Donohoe Met Blümel
New Eurogroup President Donohoe and Austrian Finance Minister Blümel met at a round table discussion on "Europe's Comeback". Topics were the strength of a common currency union and strategies on how to achieve the economic comeback.
September 9, 2020
EU Puts a Hold on Austria's Fixed Cost Subsidies
The European Commission has questioned Austria's newly introduced fixed cost subsidy to the surprise of many Austrian politicians and experts. Companies in the sectors tourism and export were predominantly planned to be subsidized.
September 9, 2020
Joint Statement by Greece and Austria
Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Austrian Chancellor Kurz have issued a joint statement that deals with European refugee policy and the ongoing dispute with Turkey over the natural gas deposit in the Mediterranean.
September 9, 2020
Climate and Energy Goals: Additional Measures Will Be Needed for Austria
Austria's Ministry for Climate Protection recognizes the need for additional protective measures in order to meet the climate targets established by the European Union. An increases of investments in sustainable ideas is demanded.
September 3, 2020
Hungary Recognizes Sobotka for Development of Bilateral Relations
The Hungarian government has awarded Austria's President of the National Council Sobotka the Commander's Cross for his efforts to further bilateral relations between the two countries and to promote the perception of Hungary's position in the EU.
September 3, 2020
Dombrovskis in Alpbach: Economy Must Serve All People
Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Dombrovskis highlights the importance of the young generation in rebuilding the economy after Covid-19. Unemployment needs to be tackled and sustainability and digital innovation will be supported.
September 2, 2020
Edtstadler: Six New EU Member Countries in the Next Decade
Hungarian Minister Varga and Austria's Minister for the EU Edtstadler took part in a discussion at the European Forum Alpbach that dealt with the presence and future of the European Union. Edtstadler is optimistic that the EU will grow by six member states in the next 10 years.
September 1, 2020
Schallenberg: "The EU Has Reached a Turning Point in the Relations With Turkey"
Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg explains the current relationship between the European Union and Turkey. The recent developments in the easter Mediterranean are testing the relation once again.
September 1, 2020
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg at the Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Berlin
Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg has come together with the other EU Foreign Minister to discuss current foreign affairs. The main topics were the conflict between Greece and Turkey, the current situation in Belarus, relations between the EU and Russia, and the peace process in the Middle East.
August 28, 2020
EU Standards for COVID-19 Are Demanded
EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn, National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka (both ÖVP) and EU Member of Parliament Manfred Weber (CSU) are demanding EU standardised regulations in order to prevent further confusion as the regulations within the EU states are varying.
August 26, 2020
Federal Minister Edtstadler: "We Must Protect and Promote Jewish Life Throughout Europe!"
After the recent attacks on the President of the Jewish Communities in Graz, Federal Minister Edtstadler made clear that Jewish life in Austria needs to be protected and promoted by any means.
August 24, 2020
Chancellor Kurz Criticizes Current Situation in Belarus
Chancellor Kurz and the majority of the European Union are criticizing the recent developments in Belarus and call for action. Free and fair elections and an end to the violence against protestors are among the demands.
August 20, 2020
Can Glyphosate Now Be Banned or Not?
With the issue of the notification statement from the European Commission, the discussion about the Glyphosate ban is starting again. According to the Agricultural Ministry it is clear that the ban is not legally compliant. However, for GLOBAL2000 a ban is still possible.
August 19, 2020
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
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