Austria - International Political News - Vindobona.org

U.S. Ambassador Fisher Launches His Mission in Vienna: Diplomatic Talks and Focus on Transatlantic Partnership

The new United States Ambassador to Austria, Arthur “Art” Fisher, has held a series of important meetings during his first weeks in Vienna to reaffirm strong bilateral relations and discuss shared priorities. The North Carolina real estate entrepreneur described his new ambassadorial role as “the honor of his life.”

1 hour ago

Austria and Italy Together With UNODC Urge Global Alliance Against Organized Crime

The threats posed by transnational organized crime are more complex, interconnected, and dangerous than ever before. In light of these developments, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Italian President Sergio Mattarella, together with Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), have called for renewed global solidarity.

2 hours ago

Global Crisis: Every Ten Minutes, a Woman Is Killed by Her Partner or Family Member

For women and girls around the world, their own homes remain the most dangerous place: in 2024, an estimated 50,000 women and girls were killed by their (ex) partners or family members. This equates to one femicide—the killing of a woman because of her gender—roughly every ten minutes. These alarming figures were published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Yesterday

OPEC and GECF Warn of Energy Crisis: Trillions in Investments in Oil and Gas Urgently Needed

At their Sixth High-Level Energy Dialogue in Vienna, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) issued an urgent appeal to the international community: in view of record-breaking growth in demand, massive and long-term investment in oil and gas production is essential. Without sufficient funding, there is a risk of a shortage in supply security.

November 23, 2025

Meinl-Reisinger Calls for a Defensible EU and Criticism of U.S. Peace Plan

During her meeting with EU counterparts in Brussels and on Austrian radio-televison, Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) called for a stronger, defensible, and geopolitically capable European Union.

November 23, 2025

New U.S. Ambassador Fisher Considers Austria an “Excellent Partner”

Immediately after he presented his credentials to the Federal President of Austria, the new Ambassador of the United States of America to Austria, Art Fisher, held his first official meeting with Austrian foreign policy representatives. He met with the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, and expressed his delight at the start of his term of office.

November 19, 2025

IAEA Urges Iran: Immediate Need for Action on Uranium Stocks Following Military Attacks

Iran is under increased pressure from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to provide complete transparency regarding its nuclear activities, and in particular its uranium stocks, following the military attacks in June.

November 19, 2025

Iran, China, and Russia Coordinate Ahead of IAEA Meeting

Ahead of the upcoming meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, the ambassadors of Iran, China, and Russia coordinated their positions and met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. The meeting served as an opportunity to discuss the agenda for the upcoming meeting, which will be held at the Vienna International Center (VIC) from November 19 to 21.

November 18, 2025

Charges Against Officials of the Syrian Assad Regime in Vienna

The Austrian judiciary has brought charges against two former high-ranking representatives of the Syrian Assad regime. They are accused of serious crimes against humanity, including grievous bodily harm, sexual assault, and systematic torture of detained civilians in Syria. The proceedings are based on the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows such atrocities to be prosecuted regardless of where they were committed.

November 17, 2025

New U.S. Ambassador Art Fisher Arrives in Vienna

The new Ambassador of the United States of America to Austria, Arthur “Art” Fisher, has arrived in Vienna and officially taken up his post. Upon his arrival at Vienna Airport, the real estate entrepreneur from North Carolina emphasized the importance of the long-standing partnership between the two countries.

November 16, 2025

Chinese Embassy in Vienna Hosts Symposium on the 80th Anniversary of Taiwan's Return

A symposium marking the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's return to China was held at the Chinese Embassy in Austria. The event, attended by Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Zheng Xuan and representatives of the Chinese community in Austria, including compatriots from Taiwan, served to reaffirm China's position on the Taiwan issue and coincided with a series of similar commemorative events in China and other embassies around the world.

November 16, 2025

Austria's Defense Evolves: Neutrality, Threats, and the Future of the Military

The geopolitical situation in Europe is coming to a head, and Austria's traditional neutrality is more than ever at the center of a heated debate about the country's future defense capabilities. To better understand this area of tension, it is essential to examine the fundamentals, capabilities, and geopolitical role of the Austrian Armed Forces (ÖBH). This has already been discussed frequently in the media and paints a sobering picture.

November 13, 2025

Former President Fischer Calls for Recognition of Palestine and Criticizes Israel's Warfare

Former Austrian President Heinz Fischer's recent comments on Middle East policy and Austria's role in the world have once again caused a stir in Austrian politics and diplomacy. In conversations with several media outlets, the long-standing SPÖ politician not only called on the federal government to demonstrate its neutrality more strongly, but also urged a change of course in Middle East policy: Austria should recognize the state of Palestine, thereby causing a diplomatic scandal.

November 7, 2025

DSN Uncovers Hamas Weapons Cache in Vienna

The Directorate for State Security and Intelligence (DSN) has dealt a significant blow to a global terrorist organization with ties to Hamas as part of internationally coordinated investigations: a weapons cache was uncovered in Vienna. There is a strong suspicion that the weapons were intended for use in planned terrorist attacks in Europe against Israeli or Jewish institutions.

November 7, 2025

Austrian Foreign Minister in Egypt for Peace Diplomacy

The Egyptian capital was the setting for a unique event that linked the past and the future. While the grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza celebrated the country's rich history, Cairo was also at the center of intense diplomatic efforts to achieve stability and peace in the Middle East.

November 5, 2025

UK Embassy in Vienna Celebrates Trafalgar Night with Dignitaries from the Austrian Ministry of Defence

The traditional Trafalgar Night Dinner at the British Embassy in Vienna was a special sign of the bond between Austria and Great Britain. The celebrations honored the legendary victory of the British Navy in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and its hero, Admiral Lord Nelson. Ambassador Lindsay Skoll and Defense Attaché Ewan Harris welcomed Austria's Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner and senior representatives from the Austrian Ministry of Defense.

November 3, 2025

Bridge to Riyadh: 15th Arab-Austrian Economic Forum Highlights “Vision 2030”

The 15th Arab-Austrian Economic Forum, organized by the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) and the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), serves as a central platform for deepening economic relations between Austria and Saudi Arabia in light of Saudi Vision 2030.

October 30, 2025

Tenth Anniversary of the ICMPD Migration Conference Calls for a “New International System”

The 10th Vienna Migration Conference (VMC), organized by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), took place on October 21 and 22, 2025, marking a decade of intensive dialogue on shaping international migration policy. Over 300 delegates from politics, the private sector, academia, think tanks, international organizations, and civil society gathered to discuss sustainable migration management, the recruitment of skilled workers, and the challenges of implementing EU reforms.

October 29, 2025

19th ESPI Autumn Conference at Vienna City Hall: “Europe as a Space Power”

The call for European autonomy and resilience in a rapidly changing global landscape dominated the 19th Autumn Conference of the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI). Under the ambitious motto “Europe as a Space Power – Direction and Priorities for Strategic Action,” European and international stakeholders gathered at the magnificent Vienna City Hall on October 28 and 29, 2025, to discuss concrete ways to strengthen Europe's position in space.

October 29, 2025

Stocker and Weißmann in Favor of Israel's Participation in the Song Contest

The question of Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 in Vienna continues to cause international controversy and political debate. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and ORF Director General Roland Weißmann have now spoken out clearly and unequivocally in favor of Israel's participation, citing Austria's historical responsibility.

October 29, 2025

German President Steinmeier Opens New German Embassy in Vienna and Calls for “Reinventing Europe”

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier concluded his three-day state visit to Austria. The focus of the visit was the official opening of the new German Embassy building in Vienna, accompanied by an urgent appeal to Europeans to reinvent the continent in the face of emerging geopolitical challenges.

October 26, 2025

High-Level Conference in Vienna Highlights the Strategic Realignment of the Caucasus and Central Asia

A high-level international conference entitled “Shifting Grounds: The Caucasus, Central Asia, and Europe in a New Global Order” was held at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, jointly organized by the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) and the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC). The conference focused on how profound geopolitical shifts are redefining the global balance of power and the strategic role of the Caucasus and Central Asia.

October 23, 2025

Former FPÖ Politician Jenewein Becomes Press Spokesman for the German AfD

The AfD faction in the Thuringian state parliament has made a prominent and controversial personnel decision. Former Austrian FPÖ National Council member Hans-Jörg Jenewein is taking over the position of press spokesman for the faction.

October 23, 2025

Van der Bellen in the Baltic States: Strong Words for Europe's Security at the EU's External Border

The multi-day trip to the Baltic states by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, together with Doris Schmidauer, began in Lithuania and highlighted the central role of European security and the strengthening of economic relations in the region.

October 20, 2025

Austria's Diplomatic Offensive: Meinl-Reisinger Promotes UN Security Council Seat and New Partnerships Among Non-Aligned Countries

During her first trip to Africa following the adoption of Austria's new national Africa strategy, Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger promoted a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in Kampala, Uganda. In addition to diplomacy, the talks at the summit meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement focused on harnessing Africa's enormous economic potential and strengthening cooperation in the fight against illegal migration.

October 16, 2025

Vienna Conference Focuses on Preventing Human Trafficking in Times of Crisis

Under the motto “Resilient together: Preventing human trafficking in times of crisis,” this year's Vienna Conference Against Human Trafficking brought together representatives and international experts at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna.

October 16, 2025

Putin Appoints Andrei Grosov as Russia's New Ambassador to Vienna

Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed 64-year-old diplomat Andrei Grosov as the new ambassador of the Russian Federation to Austria. Grosov, a career diplomat who has worked in the foreign ministries of the Soviet Union and Russia since 1983, takes up the post in Vienna at a time when he is expected to navigate difficult relations.

October 16, 2025

China's Ambassador Qi Mei Meets with Minister Hanke to Discuss Infrastructure and the Silk Road Initiative

Cooperation between China and Austria in important future-oriented areas was the focus of a meeting in Vienna between Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) and Chinese Ambassador H.E. Qi Mei.

October 12, 2025

Russian Duma Seals Withdrawal From Plutonium Agreement with the U.S.

The lower house of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, voted to withdraw Russia completely from a key nuclear disarmament treaty with the United States. The Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA), which regulates the destruction of large quantities of weapons-grade plutonium, is now finally history.

October 8, 2025

Beate Meinl-Reisinger Opens Photo Exhibition Marking 70 Years of Austria in the UN

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Austria's accession to the United Nations, Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger visited the Vienna International Centre (VIC), also known as UNO City. The visit focused on an exchange with young people and the opening of the new permanent exhibition “Austria – UN in Vienna.”

October 6, 2025

Nuclear Threat: Putin Does not Rule Out Strikes Against Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plants

The nuclear safety situation in Ukraine is coming to a head. Amid ongoing concerns about the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened potential strikes against other Ukrainian nuclear power plants. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is concerned.

October 2, 2025

Austria Focuses on “Continent of Opportunity” with National Africa Strategy

The federal government has given the green light in the Council of Ministers for the development of a comprehensive, nationwide Austrian Africa strategy. The strategy aims to raise relations with the African continent in the areas of economy, security, migration, education, and culture to a new, structured level.

October 2, 2025

Security Debate in Austria: Expert Calls Neutrality “Immoral,” Former President Counters

In view of the “dramatically deteriorating” security situation in Europe and the approaching war, evidenced by drone alerts and airspace violations in NATO territory, there is intense debate in Austria about the role of neutrality.

October 1, 2025

Russian Diplomat Expelled Following OMV Espionage Case

Just a few days after a suspected espionage case at the Austrian oil, gas, and chemical company OMV came to light, Austria has declared a Russian diplomat “persona non grata.” The high-ranking employee of the Russian Embassy in Vienna has already left the country.

September 30, 2025

IAEA Alarmed: Drones Pose Threat to Nuclear Power Plants in Ukraine

Nuclear safety in Ukraine has once again been seriously compromised. Just hours after the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) suffered its longest complete loss of external power supply since the start of the war, a drone struck dangerously close to the active South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant (Pivdennoukrayinsk).

September 29, 2025

Vienna, a Hub for Espionage since the Cold War

For several historical and geographical reasons, Vienna has a long and distinguished history as a center of espionage. During the Cold War, Vienna gained particular significance as a hotspot for espionage, but even after the end of the Cold War, this status has continued and has even intensified in recent years.

September 26, 2025

Alternative Right in Austria: Technology, Theology, and Political Strategy

In August of this year, tech billionaire Peter Thiel, who is also known for his proximity to the new right, caused confusion by visiting the University of Innsbruck unnoticed. At the same time, the FPÖ in Austria is moving closer to the U.S. right wing. The FPÖ has a long history and has undergone a transformation to become an international pioneer of the new right.

September 25, 2025

Focus on Babler's New York Trip: Restitution and Controversy over Costs

Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Culture Andreas Babler (SPÖ) has completed a mission in New York to restitute musical manuscripts by the Viennese composer Walter Benedikt (1896–1948). In a formal ceremony, the sheet music that Benedikt had to leave behind in 1938 when he fled from the Nazis was handed over to his legal successors.

September 24, 2025

IAEA General Conference 2025: Nuclear Science and Diplomacy in Uncertain Times

The 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna was a week-long conference, considered the organization's most important political decision-making body, bringing together over 3,000 participants from 153 member states. The focus was on global challenges such as the growing threat of nuclear proliferation and climate change, which the IAEA aims to address through its unique mandate.

September 23, 2025

OMV in Espionage Scandal: CEO Alfred Stern Reassures, Adnoc Relationship to Remain Uncompromised

A suspected espionage case at Austria's largest energy company, OMV, has caused a stir in recent days. While the authorities are investigating a long-standing employee suspected of having supplied sensitive data to the Russian secret service, OMV CEO Alfred Stern is trying to smooth the waters. Stern emphasizes that the incident will not strain the long-standing partnership with major shareholder Adnoc from Abu Dhabi.

September 22, 2025

80th Anniversary of the UN: Diplomatic Week in New York with Austria's President

This week, New York is the center of international diplomacy, where around 150 heads of state and government are meeting for the United Nations (UN) General Debate. This year's assembly is dominated by the 80th anniversary of the UN and the urgent call for reform. Austria is represented by President Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, and Meinl-Reisinger.

September 22, 2025

Fugitive Wirecard Manager Marsalek Tracked Down in Moscow

After extensive international research, a consortium of journalists has tracked down fugitive Wirecard manager Jan Marsalek in Moscow. According to reports, the 45-year-old is living under a false identity and working for the Russian secret service, the FSB.

September 17, 2025

Austria's Meinl-Reisinger Welcomes Chinese Counterpart with Focus on Geopolitics and Trade

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Vienna to deepen bilateral relations and discuss global challenges. The meeting, which was also documented by media representatives, underscores the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

September 16, 2025

Austria's Diplomatic Conference Focuses on Foreign Policy

Amid global crises and economic uncertainty, Austria’s Foreign Ministry is positioning itself with a clear strategic focus. The annual Ambassadors' Conference (BOKO) and the parallel Foreign Cultural Conference (AKT) in Vienna demonstrated how the Foreign Ministry, under the leadership of Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and State Secretary Sepp Schellhorn, defends and promotes Austrian interests worldwide.

September 14, 2025

In Memoriam Hannes Tretter: Vienna Symposium “Emergency Democracy” Continues His Life’s Work

On September 24, 2025, a high-caliber panel of experts will gather in the attic of Vienna's Juridicum to commemorate the late lawyer and human rights expert Hannes Tretter and continue his life's work. The symposium “Emergency Democracy” is dedicated to the project of the same name, which was conceived in the last months of his life.

September 11, 2025

Taliban Representatives Support Austria in Deportations

A delegation from the Afghan Taliban regime has held talks with the Austrian Interior Ministry in Vienna to help identify Afghans who are scheduled for deportation. The cooperation, which the Interior Ministry describes as “necessary” for the deportation of criminals, has been sharply criticized by human rights organizations.

September 11, 2025

Austria and Slovenia: Diplomatic Efforts Following the “Peršmanhof Incident”

Relations between Austria and Slovenia, traditionally characterized by friendly cooperation, have been put to the test since a controversial police operation at Peršmanhof. The diplomatic response is currently evident on two levels: while Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon is pushing for clarification with a symbolic gesture and clear words, representatives of both regions are simultaneously deepening practical cooperation in numerous areas.

September 10, 2025

Problems in the Austrian Education System as per the OECD: High Expenditure, Low Success

A recent study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) entitled “Education at a Glance” paints a critical picture of the Austrian education system. Despite high spending per student—US$16,604 in 2022 compared to an OECD average of US$11,843—Austria lags in key areas.

September 9, 2025

Herbert Kickl Considers Russian Gas as a Solution to the Economic Crisis

Amidst an ongoing economic crisis and rising living costs, FPÖ party leader Herbert Kickl presented his proposed solutions at the latest “summer talks.” His argument centers on a radical change of course in energy policy and far-reaching savings in the national budget.

September 9, 2025

Austrian Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Meets Belarusian Opposition Leader Tsikhanouskaya

Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger welcomed Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to Vienna for talks. The discussions focused on the current situation of civil society in Belarus and efforts to secure the release of political prisoners detained there.

September 7, 2025