Austria - European Union Political News - Vindobona.org

Czech, Slovakian, Portuguese, and Austrian Foreign Minister Demand EU Accession of Western Balkans

In a meeting of the Slavkov Trio, namely Foreign Minister from Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Austria, and the Portuguese Foreign Minister, EU accession of the Western Balkans were discussed. Additionally, Portugal is currently heading the EU Council and the Portuguese Foreign Minister was therefore able to inform the three others about current issues.

March 10, 2021

EU Commissioner Breton and Kurz Discuss Vaccine Production

In a meeting in Vienna, EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, who is responsible for vaccine production, Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Minister for Economic Affairs Margarete Schramböck discussed the possibilities of Covid-19 vaccine production in the EU and talked about other issues evolving around the different Coronavirus vaccines.

March 9, 2021

Israel, Denmark and Austria Agree on Covid-19 Cooperation

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz agreed on establishing a joint research and development foundation as well as on vaccine production. Chancellor Kurz stressed the importance of global cooperation in the fight against Covid-19.

March 5, 2021

EC Supports 7 Austrian Projects to Boost Economic Growth

The European Commission (EC) will support seven Austrian projects under the Technical Support Instrument (TSI). In total 226 projects in all of the 27 EU Member States were approved to receive funding, which will attempt to design and implement national reforms to boost economic growth in the respective countries.

March 5, 2021

Swiss President Visits Austria

The new Swiss President Guy Parmelin conducted his first trip abroad to meet with Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka in Vienna. The politicians discussed the Covid-19 situation in Europe, the Swiss relations with the EU and bilateral cooperation between Switzerland and Austria.

March 4, 2021

Schallenberg at Central 5 Meeting in Slovenia

The Foreign Minister from Slovenia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria met in Brdo, Slovenia, to discuss the continuous cooperation in the Covid-19 pandemic, the he upcoming Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2021, and EU accession of the Western Balkan states.

March 2, 2021

Schallenberg at FAC: First Meeting With New U.S. Secretary of State

At the EU's Foreign Affairs Council, Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and his colleagues had the chance to confer with the new U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Besides that, the agenda of the Council included targeted sanction against Russian officials and the difficult situations in Myanmar and Hong Kong.

February 23, 2021

Čaputovà and Van der Bellen Demand Sustainable Relaunch After Covid-19

The Slovak President Zuzana Čaputovà met Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen virtually in order to discuss the Covid-19 pandemic, Austrian aid to Slovakia and the climate crisis. Both head of states demand that the "relaunch of the economy in the EU must be sustainable" after the Covid-19 crisis.

February 19, 2021

New EU Trade Strategy: Schramböck Welcomes Proposal

Austria's Minister of Economics Margarete Schramböck welcomes the European Commission's document on a new EU trade strategy. The proposal incorporates various topics that will determine the EU's trade strategy for the next few years. Lessons learned from the Covid-19 crisis with regard to inner-European policy as well as international trade is accounted for in the proposition.

February 18, 2021

Austrians Show Decreased Approval for EU

In a recent survey published by the European Parliament, the EU loses approval in Austria. Almost half of the Austrians survey believe that the European Union moves in a completely wrong direction, while only 35 percent believe the opposite. Compared to the numbers from 2019, the EU is losing support in Austria.

February 18, 2021

Austria's Economy Is Far Behind EU Average

According to the latest numbers issued by the EU's statistics office Eurostat, the gross domestic product of the EU fell by 0.6 percent in Q4 2020 compared to the third quarter of the same year. Austria, however, has performed the worst out of all EU member states and saw a GDP decline of 4.3 percent.

February 17, 2021

Austrian Initiative Receives Civil Society Solidarity Award

The Austrian initiative #EUROPAgegenCOVID19 has received the European Economic and Social Committee's (EESC) Civil Society Solidarity Award for its effort in the Covid-19 crisis. The non-profit organization focuses on debunking false theories and myths with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic.

February 16, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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