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Austria - International Political News
Read the latest headlines about developments in Austrian foreign politics with reference to the international interest
ICMPD and Austrian Ministry of Interior Host Event for Joint Project "MIGRATION.DIGITAL.PEDAGOGY"
Representatives of International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) and the University College of Teacher Education Lower Austria (PH NÖ) met to discuss the results of the joint project 'MIGRATION.DIGITAL.PEDAGOGY'.
July 31, 2022
Integration Ministers Discuss Refugees from Ukraine
The integration ministers of the European Union met for the "European Integration Conference" at Palais Niederösterreich in Vienna. The EU ministers and state secretaries for integration were invited, as well as international organizations that work on migration issues.
July 31, 2022
Human Rights in Russia: Third Appeal to the OSCE Moscow Mechanism Since the Outbreak of War in Ukraine
The OSCE Moscow Mechanism was recently requested by 38 states, including Austria, to appoint an OSCE expert to review the human rights situation in Russia. Since the outbreak of the Ukrainian war, the Moscow Mechanism has already been contacted three times.
July 29, 2022
Croatian Foreign Minister Grlić Radman on a Visit to the Republic of Austria
The Foreign Minister of Croatia, Gordan Grlić Radman, met in Vienna with the Foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg. Further, the Croatian Foreign Minister met with representatives of the Croatian community in Austria.
July 28, 2022
European Forum Alpbach Will be Opened by Moldovan President Maia Sandu
The Moldovan President, Maia Sandu, will attend the opening of this year's European Forum Alpbach (EFA) together with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen on August 22. At the start of the event, they will jointly address the EFA's annual theme, The New Europe, and discuss what consequences, in light of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine, Europe must draw from its current weakness and its inaction in the past.
July 27, 2022
Opening of the Salzburg Festival: "Culture as a Counter Model to Barbarism"
The Salzburg Festival has been ceremoniously opened. In addition to rousing speakers such as author Ilija Trojanow and Festival President Kristina Hammer, the Austrian Federal President also appealed to the unity of Europe.
July 27, 2022
International Auschwitz Committee Puts Pressure on Austrian Chancellor Ahead of His Meeting With Viktor Orban
The International Ausschwitz Committee expressed its horror after racist statements and a Holocaust joke by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Committee Vice-President Christoph Heubner then called on Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer to confront Orban during his upcoming visit to Vienna.
July 27, 2022
Wirecard Scandal: New Indications for Marsalek's Stay in Moscow
Former Wirecard board member Jan Marsalek, who has been in hiding for two years, could be living in Moscow under the protection of Russian intelligence services.
July 26, 2022
Austria Will Take Common Line with Germany on Gas Storage
Germany and Austria have joint responsibility for storing gas, according to Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens). "We have always coordinated well with Germany," the minister said today, referring to the Haidach storage facility near Salzburg, which is also important for Germany.
July 25, 2022
Japanese-OSCE Cooperation Celebrates 30 Years
An OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group discussion was held on Friday in Vienna to commemorate the 30th anniversary of OSCE-Japan cooperation. In addition, a reception was held a day prior at the Ambassador's residence to mark the "30th Anniversary of Cooperation between Japan and the OSCE", attended by some 180 guests, including Austrian government officials and numerous diplomats from various countries.
July 24, 2022
Joint Trip of Austrian and Czech Foreign Ministers to Ukraine
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg traveled to Kyiv with Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. In addition to talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, the program included visits to the Hostomel and Irpin war sites, which testify to the sheer brutality of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine.
July 21, 2022
Austrian Federal President: "We Must Not Allow Ourselves to Be Divided"
Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen addressed the current challenges and hardships in a gripping opening speech at the Bregenz Festival.
July 21, 2022
Space Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia Signed the Artemis Accords
In joining the Artemis Accords, Saudi Arabia shows its commitment to sustainable space exploration guided by a common set of principles. In signing the agreement, Saudi Arabia becomes the 21st Artemis Accords country.
July 19, 2022
Austria Strengthens Efforts Against Trafficking of Human Beings on the Hungarian-Serbian Border
Austria is engaged against anti-smuggling and human trafficking on the Hungarian-Serbian border and sent representatives of the Austrian Ministry of Interior to Hungary. The Director General for Public Security, Franz Ruf, and the Head of the Office against Smuggling and Trafficking in Human Beings at the Federal Criminal Police Office, Gerald Tatzgern, exchanged information with the Hungarian police there.
July 19, 2022
Austria's Minister for Europe at the UN Forum for Sustainable Development in New York
In New York, the UN Forum on Sustainable Development discussed progress on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Austria's Minister for Europe, Karoline Edtstadler, attended the event. The current discussion focused on how the COVID 19 pandemic impacts the implementation of development goals.
July 19, 2022
Visit of the Slovak Prime Minister to Vienna: Disagreement on Nuclear Technology Issues
Eduard Heger, the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, visited Vienna earlier this week. In his conversations with Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer, he emphasized the importance of Ukraine's victory over the Russian invader and discussed nuclear power differences between the two countries.
July 18, 2022
Austria Supports Joint Statement for Ukraine's Case Against Russia Before the International Court of Justice
The European Union, Austria, and over 40 other nations have issued a statement supporting Ukraine's case before the International Court of Justice against Russia. In order to hold Russia accountable for its violations of international law, the Joint Statement has been released.
July 15, 2022
Austrian Chancellor in Cyprus: "EU Asylum System has Failed"
After his stay in Israel, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer visited the island of Cyprus where he spoke with Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiadis about the issue of illegal immigration. Also on the agenda were topics such as food security and a visit to the UNFICYP peacekeeping force.
July 14, 2022
Austrian Chancellor Visits Israel: "Possible Partner for Future Gas Purchases"
Austria's Chancellor travelled to Israel this week to meet with Israel's Prime Minister Yair Lapid. During his visit, the Chancellor expressed interest in Israel's weapons technology and future gas supplies. Besides signing a strategic partnership, Nehammer also visited the Holocaust memorial Yad Vashem.
July 13, 2022
OSCE Special Representatives Visit Polish-Ukrainian Border
Maria Raczynska, the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Youth and Security, and Lara Scarpitta, the OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, visited the Polish-Ukrainian border last week to assess the situation of refugees from Ukraine.
July 11, 2022
Georgian Prime Minister Visits Vienna
Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili recently met their counterparts Nehammer and Schallenberg in Vienna. The reason for the meeting was the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, but also current topics such as the conflict in Ukraine or Georgia's accession negotiations with the EU. Read on if you want to learn more!
July 11, 2022
Montenegro's Prime Minister Visits the Austrian Federal Chancellor and Foreign Minister
Dritan Abazović, the Prime Minister of Montenegro, visited Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in Vienna this week. Montenegro's EU accession was discussed, as well as the deepening of bilateral relations. In the Western Balkans, the small Adriatic Republic is considered a model pupil among the EU accession candidates.
July 8, 2022
Concert in Vienna City Hall Launches Czech Council Presidency
A concert was held at Vienna City Hall to honor the Czech Republic and its incoming EU Presidency. This year, the Czech Republic will hold the EU Presidency for only the second time, having previously held it in 2009. Mayor Michael Ludwig and Chargé d'Affaires Jakub Novak welcomed guests in the arcade courtyard of Vienna City Hall.
July 8, 2022
Austria Supports Ukraine in Reconstruction and Development
Austria's Federal Minister Karoline Edtstadler assured Ukraine and particularly affected states in the course of the high-level Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Lugano. The conference aims to set a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of Ukraine and, above all, a further sign of solidarity for Kiev.
July 6, 2022
Why Germany and Austria Are More Dependent on China for Strategic Raw Materials than on Russian Gas
China has established global dominance over many of the strategic raw materials needed to be competitive in the economy of the future. Read how Austria, Germany, and others have arguably become more dependent on these materials from China than on Russian gas.
July 5, 2022
How the Police Files from the Uyghur Detention Camps Reveal China's Understanding of Human Rights
The leak of the Xinjiang Police Files has provided the best evidence to date of what many experts believe is an ongoing genocide against millions of Uyghurs in China. Read more about these files and what they tell the world about China's views on human rights.
July 4, 2022
Austrian Ministers Visit Egypt on a Joint Trip
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner traveled together to Egypt, to strengthen the cooperation with the Arabic Republic and North Africa. The meetings focused on the war in Ukraine, its global consequences, illegal migration, combating human trafficking and human rights.
July 3, 2022
OSCE Announces Closure of Project Co-Ordinator in Ukraine
The office of the Project Coordinator in Ukraine, whose tasks include supporting Ukraine in its reform efforts, is being dismantled step by step, as the OSCE recently announced. The reason for this is that the OSCE Permanent Council was unable to reach a consensus on the extension of the mandate due to the Russian Federation.
July 1, 2022
Fear of Moldova Being Next on Russia's Hit List
The Russian Invasion of Ukraine is also frightening for other Eastern-European countries. One of them has its own troubles, with the gone rogue territory of Transnistria, highly influenced by the Kremlin, namely Moldova.
June 30, 2022
Austria Supports the Establishment of the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam
In the Netherlands, a new Holocaust museum is currently being constructed, which will become a milestone in European remembrance. The Austrian Federal Chancellery is providing 400,000 euros to support the construction of this memorial. Austria sees this support as a sign of its understanding of the Netherlands' special historical responsibilities.
June 30, 2022
UNODC World Drug Report 2022 Highlights Trends in Global Drug Supply and Demand
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime released its annual World Drug Report. The Report highlights new trends on cannabis post-legalization, environmental impacts of illicit drugs, relations between drug markets and conflict zones like Ukraine, and drug use among women and youth. Learn more about the World Drug Report 2022.
June 29, 2022
Austria Receives President of Botswana
The President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, recently visited Austria's Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Masisi was in Vienna to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and to discuss the maintenance of food security against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.
June 28, 2022
Moody's Declares Russia in Default
The U.S. company Moody’s announced in New York that it was concerned with interest payments on two government bonds that had not been received by creditors even after a default period of 30 days had expired.
June 28, 2022
Iran Expressed Readiness to Continue Nuclear Talks
EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Josep Borrell visited Tehran and announced that Iran wants to resume the stalled negotiations on the international nuclear agreement in the coming days.
June 27, 2022
Dutch Royal Couple Visits Austria
The Dutch royal couple, His Majesty Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, and Her Majesty Máxima, Queen of the Netherlands traveled to Vienna for a state visit. The three-day visit is mainly about strengthening bilateral relations between Austria and the Netherlands and the effects of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine on Europe.
June 27, 2022
Austria's Chancellor Calls for a Clear Perspective for Bosnia at the EU-Western Balkans Summit
Last week at the European Council and the EU-Western Balkans Summit, the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Karl Nehammer, demanded that the countries of the Western Balkans be offered fair prospects of potential EU accession. Among other things, he made it clear that accession negotiations for Bosnia would be possible as soon as it had fulfilled the reform points set by the EU.
June 27, 2022
Austria has Frozen the Assets of Russian Oligarchs Worth 1.5 Billion Euros
The Austrian authorities have frozen the assets of 1.5 billion euros belonging to Russian oligarchs since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
June 26, 2022
Libya's Foreign Minister Visits Austria
Libyan Foreign Minister Najla El-Mangoush is on a working visit to Vienna.The Foreign Minister of Libya, Najla El-Mangoush, was received today by Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.
June 23, 2022
Republic of Korea and Austria Celebrate 130 Years of Bilateral Relations
The Republic of Korea and Austria are celebrating 130 years of diplomatic relations today. The two close partners have exchanged more and more intensively, especially in the recent past. Read on to learn more about the bilateral relations between the two countries.
June 23, 2022
Iran Nuclear Talks: Avoiding Sanctions - Lavrov in Tehran
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has arrived in Iran for a visit. He first met with President Ebrahim Raisi in the capital Tehran and will meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Iran Nuclear Talks will also play a significant role in Lavrov's visit since both countries are trying to find a way to avoid further sanctions by the West.
June 22, 2022
Austrian Bishops Plan Ukraine Trip in July
Archbishop Franz Lackner, president of the Austrian Bishops' Conference, will travel to Ukraine in July with Styrian Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl. This was announced by the Bishops' Conference at the end of its summer plenary session.
June 22, 2022
Austria Sees Potential EU Accession Status as a Historic Opportunity
Austria sees the EU Commission's proposal to grant Ukraine and Moldova the status of EU accession candidates as a historic opportunity as a clear signal of the EU's strength. Nevertheless, Austria also has a responsibility towards the Western Balkans and should not ignore them. Read on if you want to learn more.
June 21, 2022
First Conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Vienna
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons wants to ban the possession of Nuclear Weapons in the world. Member states of the treaty met today in Vienna for the first time to convene about further developments.
June 21, 2022
Three Seas Initiative in Riga for Common Ground against Russia
The Three Seas Initiative met in Riga. Austria and eleven other Central Eastern European countries accepted Ukraine as a member of the Three Seas Initiative at the Presidential Summit in Riga. Austrian President Van der Bellen traveled to Riga and appealed for unity against Russia.
June 20, 2022
OSCE Condemns Use of Sexual Violence as Weapon of War
Reports of sexual violence against women and girls in the Ukraine war have been circulating in the media for some time. Now OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid has spoken out and called for an immediate end to these crimes. Read on if you want to know more.
June 20, 2022
UNIDO Strengthens Cooperation Between Italy, UN Agencies and Private Sector
United Nations Industrial Development Organization Chief Gerd Müller traveled to Italy. The aim of the trip was to intensify the cooperation with Italy. Müller met Italian diplomats, representatives of the business community and the United Nations in Rome and signed an agreement with the Italian energy company Eni.
June 19, 2022
OSCE Strengthens Cooperation Between Europe and Asia
At the recent OSCE Asia Conference in Vienna, participants discussed synergies and opportunities for cooperation between the European organization and its Asian partners. Members strongly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and called for a return to multilateralism.
June 17, 2022
IAEA Cancer Care Initiative Receives €9 Million
IAEA has received over €9 million, pledged by six countries, to support its new cancer care initiative, "Rays of Hope". The initiative wants to establish and expand radiotherapy services, with a particular focus on countries, that completely lack facilities for radiation treatment.
June 16, 2022
Cooperation Program Between Indonesia and Austria Receives International Award
A project realised in the course of an international cooperation programme between Indonesia and Austria recently received the coveted Constantinus Award 2022 in the category "International Projects". The cooperation between the Austrian company Bit Media and the state of Indonesia involved the development of a maritime vocational training centre at the Vocational and Productivity Training Centre (BBPVP) Medan in Indonesia.
June 16, 2022
Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Demands Protection of European Values
The President of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, emphasized during a speech in the Austrian Parliament that Ukraine defends civilized Europe from Russia's imperialist aspirations and used the visit to promote Ukraine's accession to the EU. He also thanked Austria for its humanitarian and financial support to Ukraine in these difficult times.
June 15, 2022
