Austria - International Political News

Read the latest headlines about developments in Austrian foreign politics with reference to the international interest

Foreign Currency Loans in Austria Fall to New Low in Q2 2024

The market for foreign currency loans in Austria continues to decline sharply. The Financial Market Authority (FMA) published a new survey for the second quarter of 2024, which shows a further significant decline in the outstanding volume of such loans.

September 11, 2024

Fighting Hunger with Innovation: Kofi Annan Award for Africa

The second presentation of the Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa has now taken place at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. The award recognizes digital and technological solutions to improve food security and the fight against hunger in Africa. In this edition, the focus was on SDG 2 - “No Hunger”.

September 9, 2024

OSCE Chairman-in-Office Ian Borg Ensures Organizational Continuity During Leadership Transition

In the absence of consensus on the appointment of a new leadership for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Chairperson-in-Office, Malta's Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Ian Borg, has taken important steps to ensure the Organization's ability to operate during this transitional period.

September 9, 2024

Closing of the European Forum Alpbach 2024: Europe's Future under the Sign of the “Moment of Truth”

The European Forum Alpbach 2024 came to a successful conclusion with a lively discussion between high-ranking representatives of all Austrian parliamentary parties in front of around 500 participants. The final discussion marked the highlight of a two-week forum that once again served as an important platform for European and international dialog.

September 8, 2024

Azerbaijan's Parliamentary Elections: Lack of Competition and Restricted Fundamental Freedoms Draw International Criticism

On 1 September 2024, early parliamentary elections were held in Azerbaijan, which were sharply criticized by international observers from the OSCE. Despite efficient organization, the election was marked by a lack of political competition and an increasingly repressive political climate, which raised doubts about the democratic legitimacy of the entire process.

September 8, 2024

Russian Court Decision Complicates Raiffeisen Bank International Planned Sale of Subsidiary Bank

The planned exit of Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) from Russia has suffered a significant setback. A Russian court has issued a temporary injunction blocking the sale of the Russian subsidiary AO Raiffeisenbank. This decision could significantly delay the Austrian bank's efforts to reduce its presence in Russia.

September 5, 2024

From Foreign Minister to Tiger Ambassador: Karin Kneissl's Unusual Career in Russia

Karin Kneissl, the former Austrian Foreign Minister, has taken on a new and, at first glance, unexpected role in Russia: She has been appointed official ambassador for the protection of the endangered Amur tiger. This extraordinary career move shows how deep her connection to Russia, and in particular to Vladimir Putin, has become. Her relationship with Russia and Putin has been at the center of international attention for years and has attracted both admiration and criticism.

September 5, 2024

Austria's Diplomats Meet Up: Ambassadors' Conference 2024 in Vienna

More than 100 Austrian ambassadors, permanent representatives, and consuls general from all over the world have gathered in Vienna for the Foreign Ministry's annual Ambassadors' Conference. The event, which lasts until September 5, offers diplomats a platform to discuss challenges in foreign policy. The focus is particularly on topics such as security, economic and cultural diplomacy as well as strengthening international dialog.

September 4, 2024

UNOOSA and University of Bonn Renew Partnership to Promote Space-Based Disaster Relief

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the University of Bonn have extended their partnership to intensify the use of space technology to tackle growing threats from natural and man-made disasters. The five-year agreement signed in Vienna aims to continue and expand the “Spaceborne Earth Observation Applications for Emergency Response and Disaster Risk Reduction” (SPEAR) project with a focus on Africa.

August 29, 2024

CIA Provided Crucial Clues to Attack Plans at Swift Concert in Vienna

The CIA has confirmed that it provided the decisive tip-off to prevent a possible attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna. Information had been received about four people with links to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist militia who were planning an attack.

August 29, 2024

Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Iran Summons Austrian Ambassador Over Hezbollah Dispute

In a new diplomatic development, the Iranian government summoned the Austrian Ambassador to Tehran, Wolf Dietrich Heim, to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. This move comes in direct response to Austria's earlier summoning of the Iranian Ambassador to Vienna, Abbas Bagherpour Ardekani, following his controversial social media post that included symbols of the Hezbollah militia, which is banned in Austria.

August 28, 2024

Austria's Colonel Markus Reisner: Escalation, Strategies and Possible Turning Points in the Ukraine War

The war in Ukraine has reached a new dimension in recent weeks. With intensified Russian airstrikes, fierce fighting in the Donbas, and a risky Ukrainian offensive across the Russian border, the conflict is facing a potential escalation and strategic realignment. Colonel Markus Reisner, one of the Austrian Armed Forces' strategists and military academics, assesses the situation.

August 27, 2024

European Forum Alpbach Enters Second Week: A Look Back and a Look Forward

The European Forum Alpbach (EFA) is entering the second week of its high-caliber discussion rounds. Under the motto “Moment of Truth”, the focus is on Europe's challenges and opportunities. While the first few days of the forum have already set important accents, the coming week promises equally exciting insights and groundbreaking debates.

August 27, 2024

Ukraine's Kursk Offensive: IAEA Concerned About Kursk Nuclear Power Plant

The situation around the Kursk nuclear power plant in the Russian border region continues to deteriorate as fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces intensifies in the immediate vicinity. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed his deep concern about the extremely dangerous situation during his visit to the power plant on Tuesday.

August 27, 2024

Outrage About Tweet by Iranian Ambassador in Vienna: Call for Summons

A social media posting by the Iranian ambassador in Vienna, Abbas Bagherpour Ardekani, has caused a considerable political stir. In addition to calls for the Iranian ambassador to be summoned, there have also been calls for further diplomatic consequences.

August 25, 2024

OPEC Sees Oil and Electrification as an Inseparable Duo for the Future of Global Energy Supply

In the current debate about the future energy supply, electrification is often portrayed as the big opponent of oil. The increasing pressure to reduce CO2 emissions and make the energy supply more sustainable has led many to view the use of oil as obsolete. But Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), disagrees with this simplistic view and emphasizes the indispensable role that oil and its derivatives play in the global energy landscape.

August 20, 2024

Alpbach: Between Tradition and the Future - the European Forum Alpbach 2024

The European Forum Alpbach (EFA) celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2024. It once again attracted over 4,000 participants to the small Tyrolean mountain village, which became the center of European discourse for two weeks. Under the general theme of “Moment of Truth”, this year's forum focused on the groundbreaking decisions that Europe must make in the face of multiple crises, from climate catastrophes to political tensions.

August 18, 2024

Ukraine's Kursk Offensive Assessed by Colonel Markus Reisner: A Risky Strategy with Far-Reaching Consequences

The recent Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, assessed by Colonel Markus Reisner of the Austrian Armed Forces, represents a bold but risky strategy that could have a profound impact on the course of the conflict and the future geopolitical situation.

August 16, 2024

Finance Ministers from German-speaking Countries Adopt Lake Constance Declaration to Strengthen Competitiveness

Finance ministers from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg met in picturesque Vorarlberg, Austria, to adopt the so-called "Lake Constance Declaration". This landmark declaration aims to strengthen Europe's competitiveness in a rapidly changing global economy while safeguarding the continent's prosperity and stability.

August 13, 2024

United Nations Finalize Convention Against Cybercrime with the Support of UNODC

After intensive negotiations and several years of work, the member states of the United Nations finalized a new international convention against cybercrime. This convention represents a historic step in the global fight against the growing threats in the digital space.

August 12, 2024

Wirecard Trial: Further Charges Against Former Management Board Members

Four years after Wirecard's spectacular bankruptcy, the Munich public prosecutor's office has brought charges against two further former members of the Management Board. The focus is on the former CFO, Alexander von Knoop, and Susanne Steidl, responsible for product development.

August 7, 2024

Austria Continues Cooperation with Serbia to Combat Illegal Migration

Vienna and Belgrade are intensifying their cooperation in the fight against illegal migration and organized crime. At a meeting in Serbia, the interior ministers of both countries emphasized the importance of joint border security measures.

August 6, 2024

Austria's Progress in Implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

As part of the "UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development", Austrian Minister for Europe Karoline Edtstadler presented the second National Implementation Report on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The event, which took place in New York, offered Austria the opportunity to present its progress and efforts in the area of sustainable development.

August 5, 2024

European CSDP Offensive: Austrian Handbook Strengthens Security Cooperation in Vietnam

The Austrian Federal Ministry of Defense has published a handbook on the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) since 2009. Due to its success, Austria was asked to make this work available to Asian partner states to promote security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

August 4, 2024

OMV CEO Stern: Independence from Russian Gas and Solid Business Development

The Austrian oil and gas group OMV has taken a significant step towards energy independence. CEO Alfred Stern declared at a press conference that OMV is no longer dependent on gas supplies from Russia. This announcement marks the end of a two-year strategic realignment aimed at diversifying gas sources and transportation routes.

July 31, 2024

International Headquarters Vienna: Economic Importance and Future Potential

A recently published study by the economic research institute WIFO on behalf of the Austrian Foreign Ministry illustrates the significant financial impact of international organizations in Austria.

July 31, 2024

Austrian Forum for Peace 2024: Insights and Outlook for a Peaceful Future

The Austrian Center for Peace (ACP) presented the results of the second Austrian Forum for Peace, which took place at Friedensburg Schlaining in early July.

July 29, 2024

Algeria, Slovakia and Austria Deepen Economic Relations

A working meeting was held at the Imperial Hotel Vienna, organized by the Algerian Embassy in Austria and Slovakia with the support of the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC).

July 29, 2024

Salzburg Summit: Europe's Challenge in the Global Economy

The Salzburg Summit 2024 provided a platform for discussions on the pressing economic and political challenges facing Europe. One of the central debates revolved around the tense relationship with the major economic power China and the resulting impact on European competitiveness.

July 25, 2024

Austria Calls for a Reorientation of EU Policy Towards Syria

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg is calling for a fundamental reorientation of EU policy towards Syria and is receiving support from seven of his EU colleagues from Italy, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Greece, Slovenia, and Slovakia.

July 23, 2024

False Accusations Against Federal Police Chief Takacs in Wirecard Case Must Be Revoked by FPÖ

Austrian domestic politics recently experienced a considerable shake-up due to false accusations by the FPÖ, which claimed that Federal Police Director Michael Takacs had met with the fugitive ex-Wirecard manager Jan Marsalek on several occasions. These accusations led to legal action by Takacs, which resulted in a retraction and a cease-and-desist declaration by the FPÖ.

July 21, 2024

Twelve New Black Hawk Helicopters for the Austrian Armed Forces

The contract for the purchase of twelve UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters for the Austrian Armed Forces has been signed. This significant purchase represents an important step towards modernizing and expanding the Austrian Armed Forces' aircraft fleet.

July 15, 2024

North Korean Agents in Vienna: A Network of Espionage and Currency Procurement

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is not only known for its high quality of life and cultural diversity but also conceals a network of espionage and illegal activities that extends to North Korea. New revelations shed light on the covert operations of the Kim regime, which cleverly uses its presence in Vienna to procure foreign currency and gather knowledge for nuclear armament.

July 11, 2024

Indian Prime Minister Modi in Vienna: A Historic Visit to Strengthen Relations

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Austria and was officially received by Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer. It is the first time in 41 years that an Indian Prime Minister has traveled to Austria. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Modi emphasized the deep bond based on shared values such as democracy and the rule of law.

July 10, 2024

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Opposes Boycott of Hungary's EU Presidency

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has firmly opposed a boycott of Hungary's EU Presidency, despite the controversial solo actions of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who recently traveled to Moscow without an EU mandate. Schallenberg emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional working relationship within the EU.

July 10, 2024

Austria's Challenges and Successes in the OECD Report

The OECD has presented its latest country report for Austria. Every two years or so, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development analyses each member country as a whole and summarizes the findings of this analysis in a comprehensive report. Austrian policymakers have now taken up this report and are hotly debating it.

July 9, 2024

Fights Over Women's and LGBTQI+ Rights at the United Nations

The UN Human Rights Council is currently engaged in heated discussions over the formulation of resolutions concerning the protection of women and LGBTQI+ persons. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Austrian, Volker Türk, expressed his deep concern that established rights are increasingly being called into question.

July 7, 2024

Indonesian Foreign Minister in Vienna For Ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and Recognition of Palestine

During her visit to Vienna, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Dr. Robert Floyd, and her Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg. Ms. Marsudi's agenda included supporting the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and strengthening bilateral relations with Austria.

July 4, 2024 · Updated: July 5, 2024; 15:21

Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf in Vienna on Close Economic Relations

Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf to Vienna for a working visit. During the talks between the two foreign ministers, particular attention was paid to the joint fight against illegal migration and the expansion of economic cooperation, especially in the field of green hydrogen.

July 4, 2024

OSCE Chairman Ian Borg Concludes Central Asia Trip: Focus on Regional Cooperation and Security

In an intensive diplomatic mission, the Chairman of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) and Maltese Foreign and European Affairs Minister Ian Borg visited the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The trip aimed to strengthen cooperation and emphasize the role of the OSCE in tackling regional security challenges.

July 4, 2024

Salzburg Forum Ministerial Conference 2024: ICMPD at the Center of Efforts against Migration and Human Trafficking

The ministerial conference of the "Forum Salzburg" in Laxenburg took place under the leadership of the Austrian Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner. It attracted high-ranking representatives from the Forum's member states as well as the EU Commission and various regional and EU agencies. Discussions focused on topics such as asylum and migration, the fight against people smuggling, and measures against extremism and terrorism.

July 2, 2024

OSCE and OIC Intensify Cooperation: High Commissioner on National Minorities Visits Jeddah

The High Commissioner on National Minorities of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Kairat Abdrakhmanov, met with the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, and members of his cabinet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The meeting aimed to discuss concrete ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of common interest.

July 1, 2024

Austria's Progressive Stance on Cyber Operations and International Law

The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs published a national declaration by Austria on the application of international law to the cyber activities of states. This declaration complements a list of more than 30 national positions and comprehensively addresses issues such as state sovereignty, non-interference and due diligence, diplomatic and consular law, international humanitarian law, and neutrality.

June 27, 2024

UNODC World Drug Report 2024: Expanding Drug Market, Ese, and Harms Increase World Drug Problem

The newly published World Drug Report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) paints an alarming picture of the global drug problem. The report documents a significant increase in drug use and trafficking, leading to a rise in drug addiction and considerable environmental damage.

June 26, 2024

Malta Launches OSCE Conference on the Security Implications of Climate Change

A high-level conference on climate change was held in the Maltese capital Valletta, organized by the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). This conference aims to examine the security implications of the climate crisis for the OSCE area and to emphasize the urgent need for cooperative efforts to tackle this global challenge.

June 25, 2024

One Year of "Friends of the Western Balkans": A Review of Progress and Challenges

The "Friends of the Western Balkans" initiative celebrated its first birthday under the leadership of Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Launched a year ago, the group aims to support and accelerate the EU integration process of the Western Balkan countries. The foreign ministers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia met again in Göttweig to celebrate this milestone, review the past year and discuss future steps.

June 24, 2024

IAEA Chief Grossi Visits Peru: Agreements on Nuclear Technology for Food Security, Mining and Lithium

Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, signed agreements with Peruvian Foreign Minister Javier González-Olaechea to promote nuclear technology use in food security, health, and environmental protection.

June 21, 2024

Intensification of Cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and Austria: Visit of Popșoi to Vienna

The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi, is in Vienna to hold important talks with the Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, while the OSCE is holding talks in Chișinău with Moldovan state officials. These visits are part of Popșoi's wider efforts and travels across Europe to intensify cooperation between Moldova and the EU and Moldova's European aspirations.

June 21, 2024

Schwarzenegger's Climate Conference in Vienna: "Austrian World Summit" Calls for Concrete Measures

The "Austrian World Summit" (AWS) took place in Vienna for the eighth time. Host Arnold Schwarzenegger and several prominent guests emphasized the urgency of concrete climate protection measures. Around 700 international visitors, including high-ranking politicians and experts, gathered in the Vienna Hofburg to discuss the future of a clean energy supply and the fight against climate change.

June 20, 2024

Europa-Forum Wachau 2024: A Commitment to the Future of Europe

This year's Wachau European Forum, which traditionally takes place in Göttweig and Krems, opened with the title "Rebooting Europe". The forum focused on key topics such as innovation, research, and health to make Europe fit for the future.

June 20, 2024