Austria - International Political News
Read the latest headlines about developments in Austrian foreign politics with reference to the international interest
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
Viennese Diplomats Visited Governor Doskozil in Burgenland
Governor Hans Peter Doskozil received ambassadors of foreign representative authorities at the Martinsschlössel in Donnerskirchen in the Austrian province of Burgenland.
June 15, 2022
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Serbia and Kosovo
Austrian foreign policy is always eager in the Balkans, especially in times of the Ukraine war. Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg traveled again to the Western Balkans region, more precisely to Serbia and Kosovo. The talks focused on the impact of the Russian war against Ukraine, the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries and the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo.
June 14, 2022
Commission Vice-President Timmermans Visits Vienna: Cities as Engine for European "Green Deal"
Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Climate Action Frans Timmermans met Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig at a working meeting in Vienna today. The main topic of discussion was the importance of cities in the implementation of the European Green Deal and what measures Vienna is taking to achieve CO2 neutrality.
June 14, 2022
Austrian World Summit 2022: Fighting Against Climate Change in Vienna
Today in Vienna, the top climate change leaders from Europe and the USA will meet to discuss the consequences of climate change and to find solutions for this global crisis. The sixth edition of the "Austrian World Summit" takes place today, June 14, at the Vienna Hofburg and was initiated by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
June 14, 2022
Austrian Parliament for EU-Wide Data Exchange on Displaced Persons from Ukraine
Within the framework of the Temporary Protection Platform, the Austrian Parliament's Interior Committee today created the legal framework for EU-wide data exchanges on persons displaced from Ukraine. The extension concerning the Corona special regulations in alien law provides the basis for this framework.
June 13, 2022
Austrian President Van der Bellen Met with Delegation of the Sauti-Kuu Foundation
The climate crisis affects the entire world and environmental protection is an important component of future-oriented development policy. In the course of Austrian development policy, Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen met with the delegation of the Sauti-Kuu Foundation from Kenya.
June 13, 2022
Italy and Austria Celebrate 30 Years of Dispute Settlement on South Tyrol
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Dispute Settlement Declaration on South Tyrol between Austria and Italy, Austria's Foreign Minister visited Bolzano. There he met Italy's Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio to talk with him about the importance of joint cooperation and to celebrate the successful agreement, which since its conclusion has been considered a showcase for Europe.
June 13, 2022
Austrian Chancellor Strengthening Partnership with Estonia
Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer met the Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas in Tallinn for working talks. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, digitization, the war in Ukraine and the energy transition of the European Union.
June 10, 2022
Austrian Foreign Ministry Nominates 25 New Acts for "The New Austrian Sound of Music"
Austria's successful music grant program enters its eighth round. The Austrian Foreign Ministry will nominate 25 new acts for "The New Austrian Sound of Music". Learn more about this program in cultural diplomacy.
June 10, 2022
FRA Fundamental Rights Report 2022: How Crises Bind the European Union Together
In the recently published Fundamental Rights Report of the Agency for Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the organization addressed the far-reaching impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on people's social rights. It highlights the enormous importance of the European Union and the impact it has on social cohesion.
June 10, 2022
IAEA Prepares Visit to Zaporizhzya Nuclear Power Plant Despite Russian Occupation and Opposition from Kyiv
The International Atomic Energy Agency prepares a visit to the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in the Russian-occupied zone of Ukraine. While this in itself is a difficult undertaking because of the Russian occupation forces, Kyiv's defensiveness added to this, complicating the IAEA's efforts to assess and ensure the nuclear safety of Europe's largest nuclear power plant.
June 9, 2022
Austrian Ministry of Justice Wants Better European Cooperation in the Area of Justice
Justice and Home Affairs Ministers are discussing stricter environmental criminal law, better international cooperation on criminal offenses and Russia sanctions in the European Council. The Austrian Ministry of Justice under Alma Zadic welcomes stricter prosecution of environmental crimes and a united effort to sanction Russian oligarchs.
June 9, 2022
IAEA Censures Iran for Insufficient Cooperation
Due to recent developments, the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reprimanded Iran's behavior toward the UN nuclear watchdog. Previously, the latter had neglected to declare three undeclared sites with detected uranium traces. Now it is accused of lack of cooperation.
June 9, 2022
Austria to Support Prosecution of Alleged War Crimes in Ukraine
All parliamentary groups in the Human Rights Committee adopted a resolution calling for an investigation and prosecution of alleged war crimes committed by Russia during its aggression against Ukraine.
June 8, 2022
What is the Austrian Ombudsman Board?
The Austrian Ombudsman Board began its work 45 years ago. Since then, according to the Austrian constitution, anyone who suspects maladministration can turn to the Austrian Ombudsman Board. The Austrian Ombudsman Board in Vienna also houses the General Secretariat of the International Ombudsman Institute. Learn more about the Austrian Ombudsman Board.
June 8, 2022
Strategic Assistance for Western Balkan Countries: "Regional Strategic Leadership Course" in Austria
As part of the "Regional Strategic Leadership Course," high-ranking civilian and military leaders met in Austria in early June to receive joint training in strategic decision-making. The first module of the first-ever course was held at the National Defense Academy in Vienna.
June 8, 2022
Austria Confirms Poland's Role in Aid to Ukraine
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg visited the Polish capital Warsaw for a working visit. There, Foreign Minister Schallenberg explained that Poland is the hub for Ukraine's assistance.
June 7, 2022
New Slovenian Government Received Austria's Foreign Minister as First Official International Guest
Slovenia's recently elected government this week received Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg as its first official international guest. This included talks with Slovenia's Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon and Prime Minister Robert Golob as well as President Borut Pahor on important European issues and the strengthening of already excellent relations.
June 7, 2022
Trilateral Presidential Meeting Between the Presidents of Austria, Croatia and Slovenia
Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen met with his counterparts from Croatia and Slovenia, Zoran Milanovic and Borut Pahor, in Croatia for the traditional triennial meeting. The focus is on the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans, as well as the impact of the Russian war in Ukraine.
June 5, 2022
Austrian Foreign Minister at GLOBSEC 2022 Bratislava Forum: "Ukraine is Part of the European Family"
The GLOBSEC 2022 Bratislava Forum, which takes place this year from 2-4 June, was this year dominated by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg also participated and underlined Austria's positioning - closely at Ukraine's side.
June 3, 2022
Military Transports Through Austria
After the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, there was only a slight increase in the number of military transports through Austria. This year, there were 1,100 in total by April 11.
June 2, 2022
School Trips to Brussels: Awakening Interest in the Work of the European Union
In the future, the Austrian federal government wants to promote trips to Brussels in order to arouse interest in the European Union among schoolchildren. The trips, which will be subsidized with up to 500 euros. These trips are intended to give students easier access to the 'heart' of the European Union and show them the importance of the organization.
June 2, 2022
Austria's Approach after the EU Future Conference
Recently, the results of the EU Future Conference were the focus of debate in the EU Committee of the Austrian Federal Council. After the results of the conference on the future of Europe launched in 2021 have already been discussed by the National Council, a debate is also to take place in the plenary session of the Federal Council.
June 2, 2022
Austrian Armed Forces Exercising and Training Abroad
The Austrian Armed Forces' exercise and training plan for 2022 will enable Austrian troops to train aboard and conduct exercises with the militaries of partnering countries. With the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Austria is strengthening its military cooperation with Western partners and exercises will be conducted within the framework of international organizations, the European Union, multilateral cooperation, and NATO's "Partnership for Peace."
June 1, 2022
Vienna Hosts the First Meeting of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
From June 21-23, the first meeting of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) will be held at the Austria Center Vienna. At the first meeting of the States Parties, the States Parties will review the implementation of the Treaty and measure progress toward its goals.
June 1, 2022
Dignitaries From Vienna in Davos: Recap of the World Economic Forum 2022
The World Economic Forum (WEF) took place and some dignitaries from Vienna attended the meeting in Davos. Read more about the World Economic Forum in Davos in the Recap.
May 31, 2022
Austria Against Gas Embargo
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Austria are against a gas embargo and Chancellor Nehammer emphasized that a gas embargo will not be part of further sanctions.
May 31, 2022
Austrian Foreign Ministry and Ars Electronica Strive for Artistic Freedom
Austrian Foreign Ministry and Ars Electronica created a Virtual Space for artistic freedom. In times of crisis, there is clear support for artists and artistic freedom.
May 30, 2022
IWM Permanent Fellow Timothy Snyder Receives Tryzub "Friend of Ukraine" Award
Timothy Snyder, IWM Permanent Fellow, has received the Tryzub Award for Friends of Ukraine. The award was presented to him by Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister of Canada for his contributions in support of Ukraine and democracy.
May 30, 2022
Canada and Austria Strengthen Transatlantic Relations
During a recent visit to Canada by the Austrian Federal Minister for the EU and the Constitution, the focus was on strengthening transatlantic relations and cooperation in the fight against disinformation. The visit, during which she met, among others, Canada's Justice Minister David Lametti, took place on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Austria.
May 30, 2022
Think Tank: Concerns About EU Sanctions Against Russian Oil and Gas
For some time now, the business community has been complaining about the lack of information on how gas and oil will be distributed sensibly in the event of a supply freeze from Russia. The Austrian Economic Research Institute (WIFO) is also concerned about the future of the energy supply and discusses possible solutions.
May 29, 2022
Austrian Chancellor Had a Phonecall With Putin
Chancellor Karl Nehammer spoke on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine. Specifically, it was about "green corridors" and the exchange of prisoners. The phone call was very intense. The focus was on issues of humanitarian aid, food security and prisoner exchange. Austria wants to mediate between Moscow and the West.
May 29, 2022
OSCE Condemns Intimidation and Detention of OSCE Staff in Donetsk and Luhansk
The OSCE recently condemned the ongoing allegations against the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), who are currently in Russian custody. The OSCE called for the immediate release of the four national mission members detained in Donetsk and Luhansk.
May 27, 2022
Planning Conference for EU Battlegroup 2025 in Vienna: Strengthening the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy
This week, representatives of ten EU states met at the planning conference for the EU Battlegroup 2025 in Vienna. The aim was to coordinate jointly in the future and to participate with military forces in the new intervention force. Participants included Germany, the Netherlands, Hungary and Croatia. The aim of the conference is to coordinate international cooperation and plan joint exercises.
May 27, 2022
Austria Nominates First Woman Judge to the General Court of the European Union
Austria needs to nominate persons to succeed the next term of office of the incumbent Austrian judges at the General Court of the European Union. Austria nominates the first woman judge to the General Court of the European Union, Mrs. Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger.
May 25, 2022 · Updated: May 27, 2022; 12:56
The European Union's Space Strategy for Security and Defence
Space and space infrastructure is becoming increasingly important to nations in space. The European Union also has its space defense strategy. Learn more about Europe's efforts in Space defense.
May 24, 2022
Foreign Policy Committees of the Austrian Parliament and the Ukrainian Parliament Discuss Situation in Ukraine
Members of the Austrian Parliament exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine with representatives of the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament.
May 23, 2022
Council of Europe Meeting: Austria Sees Europe as Shield of Human Rights
At the annual meeting of foreign ministers at the Council of Europe, the focus was on the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops. Alexander Schallenberg, Austria's foreign minister pleaded for common values and principles, calling the Council of Europe "a strong shield for the defense of the universality of human rights."
May 23, 2022
How the Austrian Development Agency Assists in Moldova
The Austrian Development Agency supports the Republic of Moldova. The Republic of Moldova is characterized by an economy specialized in agriculture. However, the country has many political and economic problems, that need to be addressed.
May 23, 2022
Conference On The Future of the EU and Eastern Europe By ERSTE Foundation and IWM
In cooperation with the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM), ERSTE Foundation is organizing the Time To Decide Europe Summit 2022 on the future of the EU, Ukraine, Russia and the Western Balkans. More than 20 leading European intellectuals will develop theses and solutions for Europe, the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Russia.
May 22, 2022
Austrian New Chairman Of the European Union Military Committee
Austrian Chief of General Staff Robert Brieger is the new permanent Chairman of the European Union Military Committee. The European Union Military Committee is the highest military body set up within the Council setting up the Military Committee of the European Union.
May 22, 2022
UN Calls for Swift Action Against the International Food Crisis
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres once again warned of an impending increase in global famine at the recent meeting on global hunger taking pace at UN Headquarters. He highlighted the importance of the wheat supply shortfall from Ukraine and outlined a five-point plan to avert the coming crisis.
May 20, 2022
EU Supports Ukraine With Substantial Financial Aid
The second tranche of the EU macro-financial assistance to Ukraine has just been disbursed. The total of €600 million is intended to help cover the acute financing gaps in Ukraine, which is suffering severely from the consequences of the Russian war of aggression. The assistance is intended to improve Ukraine's macroeconomic stability and help keep state agencies functioning during this critical period.
May 20, 2022
Austrian Leadership Program 2022 Underlines Friendship Between Austria and Western Balkans
The Austrian Leadership Program 2022, the Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs, Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, welcomed 22 selected leaders from the countries of the Western Balkans to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This year's visit program focuses on the topic of "Green Technologies".
May 19, 2022
Austrian Exit From Russian Gas Possible: "Major Effort Necessary"
The exit from oil and gas supplies from Russia, which has been much called for at both national and international level, has been occupying the EU and also the Austrian government for weeks. Now the Austrian Energy Minister has presented a plan on how this planned phase-out can be achieved by 2027 and what concrete measures need to be taken to achieve it.
May 19, 2022
"Presidency at a Decisive Stage": Czech Republic Receives Austrian Federal Chancellor
Discussions on the Ukraine crisis, the EU's enlargement of the Western Balkans or the benefits of nuclear power in the energy transition led Austria's Federal Chancellor to the Czech Republic, where he met Petr Fiala, the Czech Prime Minister. The Czech Republic is one of Austria's closest trading partners in Central and Eastern Europe. Read on to find out how the Chancellor's visit went.
May 19, 2022
