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Austria - International Political News
Read the latest headlines about developments in Austrian foreign politics with reference to the international interest



War in Ukraine: Athens Seeks Talks in Vienna


Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias visited Vienna to discuss the intensifying war between Russia and Ukraine. Read about his meetings with various officials and watch the joint press conference with Foreign Minister Schallenberg.
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 Gazprom Helps the Kremlin to Manipulate Austria

The Russian government uses the majority state-owned energy corporation Gazprom to exploit Europe's dependency on Russian natural gas, and Austria is no exception. Read how the Kremlin uses Gazprom to influence Austria.
March 8, 2022

International Women's Day: Are Women the Better Crisis Managers?
Whether Ukraine, Afghanistan or the COVID-19 pandemic - women and girls were and are disproportionately affected by these crises and conflicts: Gender-based violence, poverty and school dropouts increase rapidly in times of crisis. This must be counteracted in a targeted manner.
March 8, 2022


US Ambassador Kennedy Meets Austrian Officials to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

US Ambassador to Austria Victoria Kennedy has been meeting with various Austrian officials, including President Van der Bellen, Chancellor Nehammer, Foreign Minister Schallenberg, and Interior Minister Karner. Read what the ambassador is doing to strengthen bilateral ties between the US and Austria.
March 4, 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



Ukraine Invasion: Austria Demands Compliance with Humanitarian Law and the Securing of Civilian Corridors


Austria is demanding that Russia comply with humanitarian law and create secure corridors for civilians to leave Ukraine and international organizations to send aid in. Read what Chancellor Nehammer and Foreign Minister Schallenberg said about this and watch their joint press conference.
March 3, 2022



IAEA Board of Governors Emergency Meeting Condemns Unprovoked Attacks Against Ukraine


At an emergency meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors, the Board condemned the unprovoked attacks against Ukraine and discussed the status of the nuclear safeguards in Ukraine. Read more about the Board's meeting and the current situation regarding Ukraine's nuclear power plants.
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

Russia-friendly Austria Breaks with its Neutrality: "Enough is Enough"
Neutral and traditionally pro-Russia Austria is forced to break with its neutrality and take a clear stand against Putin because of his war of aggression against Ukraine.
March 2, 2022
UN General Assembly: 141 States Condemn Russian Aggression and Rights Violations against Ukraine
By a large majority, the UN General Assembly has condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine. 141 states voted in favor of a resolution to this effect and demanded Russia's withdrawal from the country. Austria was represented by its UN Ambassador.
March 2, 2022


Ukraine Invasion: Austria Also Possesses a "Willkommenskultur"

Austria is already preparing to receive Ukrainian refugees fleeing the violent Russian invasion of Ukraine. The people of Austria have a chance to once again display their "Wilkommenskultur" ("welcoming culture") and welcome those fleeing the brutal conflict into their country with open arms. Read what Vienna is currently doing to help welcome the refugees.
March 2, 2022


Austria's UN Ambassador Questions Whether the System of Veto Powers Is Still Capable of Governing Relationships

At an emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly, Austrian Ambassador to the UN, Alexander Marschik, questioned whether the veto power provided to the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council undermines its ability to uphold international law. Read more of what the ambassador said regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
March 1, 2022


Attack on Ukraine: Austria Extends Aid from Foreign Disaster Fund to a Total of 17.5 Million Euros

The Austrian government has approved another 15 million euros in humanitarian aid for Ukraine from the Foreign Disaster Fund. Read about how the money will be allocated and the daunting projections that suggest Ukraine will almost certainly need more foreign aid.
March 1, 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

Ukraine Assistance: Vienna Sends Trucks with Medical Supplies to Kiev and Odessa
Responding to the Russian invasion, the Vienna City Government has sent about 15 tons of medical or relief material to Ukraine.
February 24, 2022



Meet the New Resident Representative of Indonesia to the International Organizations in Vienna, HE Dr. Damos Dumoli Agusman


The new Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the International Organizations in Vienna is Mr. Damos Dumoli Agusman. Learn more about Ambassador Agusman.
February 23, 2022


Media Freedom Representative on Rapidly Declining Space for Cross-border Journalism and the Assault on Press Freedom

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, expresses her concern about the shrinking space for media workers to conduct their journalistic work abroad.
February 23, 2022


Meet the New Resident Representative of Romania to the International Organizations in Vienna, HE Mr. Stelian Stoian

The new Permanent Representative of Romania to the International Organizations in Vienna, Mr. Stelian Stoian, recently presented his credentials to the heads of the various organizations. Learn more about Mr. Stoian.
February 23, 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


Iranian Foreign Minister and Iran's Chief Negotiator in Vienna Optimistic on Nuclear Talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Tehran is serious about reaching an agreement, but the West must be realistic. Earlier, Iran's chief negotiator at the nuclear talks in Vienna, Ali Bagheri Kani, also expressed optimism about the progress of negotiations.
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


Federal President: "Blatant violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity"

Austria's Federal President Van der Bellen condemns Putin's recognition of the eastern Ukrainian separatist areas of Luhansk and Donetsk and his order to invade eastern Ukraine.
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

Human Rights in Egypt: Sentence Against Detained Central European University Student Annulled, New Hearing to Begin
The four years in prison sentence against Ahmed Samir Santaway, a student and researcher at CEU Central European University in Vienna, has been overturned, but a retrial in Egypt begins today.
February 21, 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


Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Austria Dispatches Crisis Team

The Kremlin apparently wants to justify further aggression with provocations in eastern Ukraine. Due to the escalating situation in eastern Ukraine, Austria has sent a crisis team to Ukraine. In addition to specialists from the Cobra task force, the team also includes experts from the foreign and defense ministries.
February 20, 2022

U.S. President Is "Convinced" Putin Has Decided to Invade Ukraine
"As of this moment, I'm convinced he's made the decision. U.S. intelligence agencies had concluded that the Russian leader had made the decision to invade and would proceed accordingly," Biden said.
February 19, 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


What Are the Minsk Agreements and Can They Help De-escalate the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Some leaders have suggested that the Minsk Agreements could provide a path to a diplomatic solution to the current tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Read more about the Minsk Agreements and if they really do provide a viable solution to the Ukraine crisis.
February 16, 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

Disinformation and Propaganda: How Russia Reverses Reports of International Media
The Russian Foreign Ministry has claimed that Western media is spreading disinformation to unfairly paint Russia as an aggressor towards Ukraine. Read how Russia manipulates Western media sources to create its own narrative.
February 14, 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


Head of UN Women Discusses Deteriorating Situation Under Oppressive Taliban Rule

UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous discussed the distressing situation for women in Afghanistan under the Taliban with the Austrian Minister for Women Susanne Raab. Read more about their conversation.
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


ICPDR: Contracting Parties Renew Commitment to Protect the Danube

The contracting parties to the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the Danube River Basin at a Ministerial Meeting in Vienna. Read about the Management Plans adopted by the Commission and what this means for the Danube.
February 10, 2022


Huawei's 5G Network Technology in Austria: Systemic Rival at the Gate to Europe

While all eyes in Europe are focused on the Russia-Ukraine side conflict, the true war is raging elsewhere, namely in network technology between China and the West. This technology war is about nothing less than the global security-technological leadership role of the next decades, and thus about the decisive question of whether the Western democratic world order can assert itself or whether the Chinese authoritarian system with totalitarian surveillance will prevail. Due to its relative weakness, Austria plays an important and central key role in this process. While most Western countries are increasingly and decidedly resisting the deployment of the 5G network infrastructure largely supplied by Huawei and ZTE - which are intricately owned and substantially controlled by the Chinese Communist Party - there are quite a few telecom providers in Austria who are using and even expanding this technology, primarily because their economic survival is already dependent on this technology, and secondly because the Austrian state is largely toothless and ignorant in the face of the push by the Chinese equipment suppliers and their lobbyists.
February 9, 2022 · Updated: February 9, 2022; 21:56


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