Austria - European Union Political News
Read the latest headlines about developments in Austrian - European Union (Brussels) politics with reference to the international interest
Russo-Ukrainian War - EU Adopts Fifth Sanctions Package to Put Pressure on Russia
Recently, new sanctions against the Russian state were published. The EU is trying to put economic pressure on the Kremlin and cut off the sources of financing for the invasion of Ukraine. What new measures are taken, you can read here.
April 8, 2022
Serbian Elections and the Impact on Serbia's Relations to Europe
Serbia has voted and President Vucic remains in power. His party will probably again form the coalition government as the leading party. In the wake of the current war in Ukraine, some wonder if Serbia's path will change after the elections. Read more about the elections and the political situation in Serbia.
April 7, 2022
Europe's Energy Dilemma Requiring Austria and Germany to Rethink in Wake of Russian Aggression
Due to the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Europe has to face new questions about energy policy, which had been known for many years but were largely ignored and deferred. The much-discussed gas embargo in recent weeks is to further intensify the sanctions against Russia and its economy. Read more about the current situation.
April 6, 2022
How the Austrian Development Agency Assists in Post-Soviet Conflicts in the South Caucasus
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the South Caucasus states of Armenia and Georgia have been searching for a new political and social identity. The trend goes in the direction of Europe. The EU and Austria are standing by with support.
April 4, 2022
Security in the Western Balkans: North Macedonia's EU Accession as Stronghold against Putin's Aggression
North Macedonia is one of the prospective countries to enter the European Union. Austrian Minister of European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler visited the country and met with Head of Government Dimitar Kovačevski for talks.
April 1, 2022
Effects of the Ukraine War and Perspectives for the Western Balkans from an Austrian Perspective
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many European countries have been asking themselves security questions related to the immediate neighborhood of the European Union. For Austria, the main question is about its southern neighbors, the Western Balkans.
March 31, 2022
NATO and EU Military Committee Meet Regarding Western Balkans
A joint meeting of the NATO Military Committee and the European Union Military Committee was held to discuss the current security situation in the Western Balkans as well as the EU's ongoing Operation Althea. In the context of the Russian military aggression on Ukraine, stability in the Balkans increases in importance.
March 29, 2022
Nehammer at EU Summit: Russia Sanctions and Western Balkans Support
The EU summit, which was also attended by U.S. President Joe Biden, focused on the political crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Austrian chancellor Karl Nehammer attended the European Council too and expressed the importance of stability in the Balkans. Read about the European Council and the chancellor's visit to Brussels.
March 28, 2022
Austria for a Strategic Orientation of the EU Towards a Common Army and Away from Coal, Oil and Gas
The Russian attack on Ukraine shook Europe and opened many new and old political questions in the European Union and Austria.
March 24, 2022
Austrian President Tells Brussels: EU Force and Zelenskyy Speech Conform with Neutrality
At meetings between the EU leaders and Alexander Van der Bellen, the President spoke about Austria's role as a neutral state in military and political matters. He saw no difficulties in inviting the Ukrainian president to Austria or in participating in the EU armed forces. The need for new energy suppliers and the current refugee problem were also discussed.
March 24, 2022
Belgian Heads of State Welcomed Austrian President and First Lady
Alexander Van der Bellen is currently on a state visit to Belgium. Besides a reception with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde the program included talks on the war in Ukraine and high energy prices with senior Belgian politicians and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
March 23, 2022
Western Balkans Trip for New Momentum against Destabilization by Russia and China
The Balkans were plagued by war 30 years ago. When Yugoslavia collapsed, the first war in Europe after World War II occurred. A policy of stability in this region is particularly important, especially in the backdrop of the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. Recently Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer as well as many other European politicians have traveled to the Balkan states to talk to the most important politicians and dignitaries. The EU and the U.S. have long been the central players in the Western Balkans and want to counter Russia's and China's influence in the region.
March 18, 2022
Ukrainian Ambassador in Vienna: "We need humanitarian assistance"
The war in Ukraine has been going on for several weeks and the humanitarian crisis is a new challenge for Europe. The Ukrainian Ambassador to Austria, Vasyl Khymynets, met with the Governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, and Provincial Councilor Martin Eichtinger for talks at the Palais Niederösterreich in Vienna. The discussion focused on Russia's violations of human rights and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
March 17, 2022
Space Diplomacy: UNOOSA and EUSPA Sign Agreement on Cooperation
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) to support United Nations Member States.
March 15, 2022
Olaf Scholz Met Van der Bellen: "One Must Remain in Dialogue with Putin"
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Austrian President Van der Bellen exchanged views on bilateral and European policy issues and the Russian attack on Ukraine.
March 14, 2022
Austrian Minister for Europe for Reassessment of EU Defense and Security Architecture
At a meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in France, the Austrian Minister for Europe, Karoline Edtstadler, called for a reassessment of the EU Defense and Security Architecture. Read what Minister Edtstadler said about this and Ukrainian accession to the EU.
March 10, 2022
Schallenberg in Brussels Condemns Playing with Nuclear Fire
At a special meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, Foreign Minister Schallenberg condemned the Russian shelling of a nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Read more about this special meeting and what was discussed there.
March 10, 2022
How Russian State-Controlled Media Use Disinformation Campaigns to Influence Democratic Processes in Austria and Beyond
Russia uses its state-controlled media outlets to help push disinformation campaigns in Austria and around the world. Read how the Kremlin spreads disinformation through the media.
March 9, 2022
How Many Refugees Have Fled Ukraine to Austria?
Austria will help its neighboring countries cope with the expected influx from Ukraine following the Russian military attack by accepting Ukrainian refugees despite its generally restrictive migration policy. Please find below questions and answers regarding entry and stay of Ukrainian citizens in Austria.
March 3, 2022
UNHCR: One Million Refugees Have Fled Ukraine in a Week
In just seven days, one million people have fled Ukraine, uprooted by this senseless war.
March 3, 2022
Belarusian Dictator Lukashenko May Rule Until 2035
Almost unnoticed in the background of the Russian invasion of neighboring Ukraine, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has had expanded power confirmed in a referendum. The constitutional amendment is intended to allow him additional terms in office and guarantee him lifelong immunity from prosecution after a possible retirement from politics.
March 1, 2022
IAEA Warns of Nuclear Accidents During Ukraine Invasion
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), four nuclear facilities of the country have already been affected by the Russian attacks in Ukraine. Read what the incidents are and what the current status of the damage is.
March 1, 2022
Russo-Ukrainian War: Enhancement of Austria's Humanitarian and Logistical Assistance to Ukraine
The conclusion of the meeting of the Austrian National Security Council on the current situation in Ukraine is to prepare Austria in the best possible way for any consequences of the nuclear threat.
February 28, 2022
Russia's Sberbank with European Headquarters in Vienna under Pressure
The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) has announced a moratorium on Sberbank Europe AG, a European subsidiary of the Russian state-owned Sberbank. Read what this means for Sberbank Europe and its customers.
February 28, 2022
Russo-Ukrainian War: First Effects of Western Sanctions on Russian Economy
The Russian economy is already beginning to feel the effects of the Western sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine. Read what effects the sanctions are having on the economy.
February 28, 2022
Russo-Ukrainian War: Already 100,000 People on the Run, but Austria's Interior Ministry Expects No Large Movement of Ukrainians to Austria
Although already one day after the Russian attack on Ukraine, according to UN figures, more than 100,000 people out of the 44 million population are on the run, the "migration experts" of the Austrian Interior Ministry do not assume that there will be a large movement of Ukrainian citizens to Austria. On the other hand, most EU countries are preparing for more refugees.
February 26, 2022
Austria Before the OSCE Council: "War Is Raging on the European Continent"
Foreign Minister Schallenberg addressed the OSCE Council and made an urgent appeal for Russia to halt its war on Ukraine and return to the negotiating table. Read what Schallenberg said about the intensifying conflict in Ukraine.
February 25, 2022
Russo-Ukrainian War: Austria Sticks to its Role as Bridge Builder
As the fighting between Russia and Ukraine is intensifying, Austria remains committed to trying to build bridges and encouraging dialogue between the two sides. Read about Chancellor Nehammer's intense phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his discussion about the conflict with Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder.
February 25, 2022
Putin's People in Austria and Beyond
Following Putin's invasion of eastern Ukraine with the aim of regaining former Soviet territory, two former European prime ministers from Italy and Finland have already resigned from the supervisory boards of two Russian companies. However, some Austrian and German politicians see no reason to resign their mandates. In the following some explanations why.
February 25, 2022 · Updated: February 25, 2022; 11:23
Ukrainian President to Austria's Chancellor: "Don't know how long Ukraine will exist"
The situation in Ukraine is highly dramatic, Austria's Chancellor Nehammer reported from a telephone conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The latter had requested to stand by his country, which was under attack by Russia.
February 25, 2022
Continued Strong Interdependence of Business between Russian, Ukrainian and Austrian Companies
Austrian businesses have established significant ties with those in Ukraine and Russia over the years. Read about the amount of business Austria does with each country and how the recent escalation of tensions could affect this.
February 23, 2022
The Formation of an Anti-Trafficking Alliance in the Framework of the Joint Coordination Platform
Interior Minister Karner recently hosted the Return Ministerial Conference in Vienna to discuss European migration issues. Read about the conference and the formation of an Anti-trafficking alliance.
February 22, 2022
Austria's Reaction to Putin's Disrespect for the Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty of Eastern Ukraine
Following President Putin's decision to recognize the independence of Luhansk and Donetsk in the Donbas region of Ukraine and to send "peacekeeping troops" to these areas, the Austrian government's Crisis Cabinet met to discuss how to respond. Read what Chancellor Nehammer said about the act of Russian aggression and what Austria will do.
February 22, 2022
Schallenberg Met Baerbock - Shared Responsibility Against the Aggression of the Kremlin
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock met with Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Berlin to discuss the tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as well as climate action and the Western Balkans. Read what the two foreign ministers said about these issues.
February 21, 2022
After the African Union Summit: Austria Provides €5 Million in Total to Alleviate Migration Pressure
Following the 6th European Union - African Union Summit, Austria announced that it would provide € 5 million in humanitarian aid to Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Tunisia. Read about Austria's efforts to alleviate some of the migration pressure caused by conflicts in Africa.
February 18, 2022
Russia Sustains Conflict in Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics in Eastern Ukraine
Russian-backed separatists reportedly began shelling an area near the "contact line" in Eastern Ukraine. Read about the recent incident and why Chancellor Nehammer and EU High Representative Josep Borrell are "very worried."
February 18, 2022
Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Neutral Switzerland and Austria Back De-escalation
Swiss President Ignazio Cassis and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer discussed the Ukraine crisis at a meeting in Zofingen, Switzerland. Read what they said about the ongoing conflict.
February 17, 2022
Austria to Poland: "No compromise on the rule of law"
EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler made Austria's position on the rule of law dispute between the EU and Poland very clear in a meeting with her Polish counterpart. Read what Edtstadler said about Austria's support for the rule of law in the EU.
February 17, 2022
EU - African Union Summit as Driver for Strengthened Economic Partnership between African Countries and Austria
Austria plans to use the upcoming European Union - African Union Summit as a means to strengthen the economic partnership between African countries and Austria. Read more about Austria's plans for strengthening cooperation with Africa.
February 15, 2022
Ukraine Crisis: OSCE Special Monitoring Mission Obstructed in Ukraine
The United States and European Union have expressed concern that the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine continues to face restrictions to its freedom of movement in Ukraine. Read about the latest impediment to the SMM's monitoring ability and what the US and EU said about it.
February 11, 2022
Ukraine Crisis: Potential Impact of Russian Invasion on Ukrainian, Russian and EU Economies
The solution of the Russian aggression and violation of rights towards Ukraine, is of central importance for the world we want to live in. The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WIIW) conducted a study on the potential economic impacts of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Read their prediction for how an invasion would affect the economies of the EU, Russia, and Ukraine.
February 8, 2022 · Updated: February 11, 2022; 08:35
Putin's Propaganda TV-Channel Tries to Expand to Austria
An attempt to supply an Austrian target group with German-language propaganda from Berlin will apparently fall victim to the media war between the two state broadcasters Russia Today (RT) in Berlin and Deutsche Welle (DW) in Moscow.
February 9, 2022
Economics Minister Schramböck Calls EU Chips Act "An opportunity for Europe"
The European Commission has unveiled its draft for the European Chips Act. Read about the Chips Act and why Economics Minister Schramböck called it "an opportunity for Europe."
February 8, 2022
Austrian Foreign Minister on Ukraine: "As a neutral state, we are still not neutral when it comes to violence"
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg is visiting Ukraine together with his Czech counterpart Jan Lipavský and his Slovakian counterpart Ivan Korčok.
February 7, 2022
Iran Nuclear Talks: Negotiations in Vienna Continue
The 8th round of negotiations in the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will resume.
February 7, 2022
IAEA to Assess Safety of Japan Dumping Fukushima's Radioactive Cooling Water into Sea
A team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will go to Japan to conduct a review of the safety of the Japanese government's decision to dump radioactive cooling water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the ocean. Read about the review and who opposes Japan's decision.
February 7, 2022
President Macron Meets with EU Interior Ministers to Discuss Asylum and Immigration
French President Emmanuel Macron met with Interior Minister Karner and his EU counterparts to discuss asylum and immigration and other priorities of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Read what the French president said and what was agreed upon at the meeting of the EU interior ministers.
February 7, 2022
Austria Promises Legal Action After EU Commission's Nuclear Energy Decision
Austria has vowed to take legal action against the European Commission after it decided to include nuclear energy and natural gas as sustainable investments under the EU Taxonomy Regulation. Read what the Austrian president, chancellor, and climate minister said about this decision.
February 3, 2022
French Ambassador to Austria: Positions on Migration, EU-Balkan Enlargement and Nuclear Energy Incompatible
Ambassador Gilles Pécout presented France's Presidency program to the EU Committee of the Austrian Federal Council (Bundesrat). Pécout also mentioned challenges of the French Council Presidency, especially in points where Austria has a different position. The tensions between France and Austria regarding the different positions on nuclear energy, migration and EU enlargement are respected but currently remain unresolved.
February 3, 2022
German and Austrian EU Ministers Supportive of Accession Process for Western Balkans
German EU Minister Anna Lührmann met with Austrian EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler in Vienna. Read what they said about EU accession for the Western Balkan states, compulsory vaccination, and more.
February 1, 2022
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