Austria - International Political News

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

U.S. Embassy Vienna Explains Covid-19 Checks Received by Austrians

U.S. Ambassador Traina has issued a statement on the stimulus checks received by a number of Austrians. The Embassy will look into this matter and will update the public about any findings.

September 11, 2020

Panel Discussion: The Legacy of Solidarność and Current Challenges in Europe

A panel discussion about "The legacy of of Solidarność and the current challenges facing Europe during Poland's chairmanship of the Visegrád Group" was held in Vienna. Diplomats, politicians, and journalists shared experiences.

September 10, 2020

Japan's Abe Thanked Kurz for Cooperation

In a telephone summit, Japan's Prime Minister Abe and Austria's Chancellor Kurz wished each other farewell since Abe will step down as Japan's leading politician due to health issues.

September 10, 2020

Slovak-3 Summit with Matovič, Babiš, and Kurz

The Slovak-3 Summit with the highest officials from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Austria took place in Vienna. The topics comprised cooperation in the fight against the pandemic and the overall relations between the three neighboring countries.

September 10, 2020

Joint Statement by Greece and Austria

Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Austrian Chancellor Kurz have issued a joint statement that deals with European refugee policy and the ongoing dispute with Turkey over the natural gas deposit in the Mediterranean.

September 9, 2020

Meeting Between Janša and Kurz

Slovenia's Prime Minister Janša and President Pahor welcomed Chancellor Kurz for a working visit. All three politicians highlighted the important bilateral economic and political relations.

September 8, 2020

Berlin Will Welcome Delegation of the Austrian National Council

The German capital will be host to a meeting between several German politicians and a delegation from the Austrian National Council. The main topics comprise measures to cope with the Covid-19 crisis and EU issues.

September 4, 2020

Hungary Recognizes Sobotka for Development of Bilateral Relations

The Hungarian government has awarded Austria's President of the National Council Sobotka the Commander's Cross for his efforts to further bilateral relations between the two countries and to promote the perception of Hungary's position in the EU.

September 3, 2020

Investigations About Turkish Espionage in Austria

Following the riots of Turkish activists in Vienna, Austria's Interior Minister Nehammer set up a task force that investigates the alleged influence of the Turkish secret service. These allegations have materialized to some extent and were presented at a press conference.

September 1, 2020

Edtstadler: Six New EU Member Countries in the Next Decade

Hungarian Minister Varga and Austria's Minister for the EU Edtstadler took part in a discussion at the European Forum Alpbach that dealt with the presence and future of the European Union. Edtstadler is optimistic that the EU will grow by six member states in the next 10 years.

September 1, 2020

Schallenberg: "The EU Has Reached a Turning Point in the Relations With Turkey"

Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg explains the current relationship between the European Union and Turkey. The recent developments in the easter Mediterranean are testing the relation once again.

September 1, 2020

National Council President Sobotka Met Slovak and Czech Counterparts, Kollár and Vondráček

Austria's National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka invited his Slovak and Czech counterparts, Boris Kollár and Radek Vondráček, to discuss the cooperation between the three neighboring countries and other political issues.

August 31, 2020

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg at the Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Berlin

Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg has come together with the other EU Foreign Minister to discuss current foreign affairs. The main topics were the conflict between Greece and Turkey, the current situation in Belarus, relations between the EU and Russia, and the peace process in the Middle East.

August 28, 2020

Federal Minister Nehammer: Joining Forces with Bavaria in the Fight Against Organized Crime and Trafficking

Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann and Austria's Karl Nehammer intensify cooperation in the fight against human trafficking and organized crime. The two politicians have come together for a working meeting in Vienna.

August 28, 2020

Industry at Alpbach Technology Talks: Austria's Federation of Industries Demands to Start the Technology Offensive Now

The President of the Federation of Austrian Industries (Industriellenvereinigung) Georg Knill used the European Forum Alpbach to underline the importance of research, technology and innovation for a wealthy future economy.

August 28, 2020

German-Speaking Finance Ministers Met in Vienna

Vienna hosted the tenth informal meeting of the German-speaking finance ministers. Representatives of Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Austria took part in discussions about Covid-19 and the future of taxes.

August 28, 2020

Iran Allows Vienna-based IAEA Access to Controversial Nuclear Facilities

Vienna-based IAEA is allowed to inspect two nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. After an ongoing dispute between the IAEA and the Iran, a joint statement settles the dispute.

August 27, 2020

Van der Bellen Promoted a Common, Greener European Future at the 75th European Forum Alpbach

Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen opened the 75th European Forum Alpbach with his speech that focused on international cooperation and an environmentally friendly and sustainable future.

August 26, 2020

Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig Met German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Finance Olaf Scholz

Mayor Michael Ludwig and German Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz met for a working meeting in Vienna. Discussions were held about economic relations and municipal topics such as affordable housing.

August 25, 2020

Criticism of SPÖ Officials Concerning Belarus

TV appearances in the Belarus state TV of two Austrians with close boundaries to the SPÖ led to an immense wave of criticism. One claims that the news coverage in Belarus is too European friendly. The other repeats a main propaganda message from Lukashenko's party.

August 25, 2020

Austria Expels Russian Diplomat, Russia Reacts and Expels Austrian Diplomat

After the Austrian Foreign Ministry had declared a Russian diplomat an undesirable person in connection with accusations of espionage, Russia has now reacted by deporting an Austrian diplomat.

August 24, 2020

President Van der Bellen at the Salzburg Festival: "Artists Need All Our Support"

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen invited his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier accompanied by Elke Büdenbender to a festival and working visit in Salzburg. Both presidents agreed on the fact that artists are in a very difficult situation at the moment and need to be supported.

August 24, 2020

Mandatory Quarantine for Austrians in UK & Norway

The United Kingdom and Norway introduced a travel warning for Austria which leads to a mandatory quarantine for people coming from Austria. Both countries are thus reacting on the highly increasing numbers of infections in Austria.

August 21, 2020

IPU World Conference: National Council President Sobotka Highlights Importance of International Cooperation

The 5th IPU World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, originally planned on being conducted in Vienna, was held virtually from August 19 to August 20. Austrian National Council President Sobotka as well as the majority of the representatives underlined the importance of international cooperation.

August 21, 2020

Chancellor Kurz Criticizes Current Situation in Belarus

Chancellor Kurz and the majority of the European Union are criticizing the recent developments in Belarus and call for action. Free and fair elections and an end to the violence against protestors are among the demands.

August 20, 2020

US Ambassador Trevor Traina: Relations with Austria Stronger Than Ever

US Ambassador in Vienna Trevor Traina praises the improvement of US-Austrian relations in the recent year. A visit of President Donald Trump to Vienna is likely to happen once the travel restrictions fall.

August 20, 2020

75th Anniversary of the Opening of the Liberation Monument at Schwarzenbergplatz: Austrian and CIS Officials Hold Ceremony

75 years after the unveiling of the Liberation Monument, Austrian President of the National Council Wolfgang Sobotka and Ambassadors of CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries commemorated once again the Soviet soldiers killed during World War II.

August 19, 2020

Austrian Government Provides Humanitarian Assistance for Lebanon

Austria provides supplies and financial aid for severely impacted Lebanon after explosion disaster at the beginning of August. In total, about EUR 2 million are provided.

August 19, 2020

European Forum Alpbach Will Be Host to Numerous Outstanding Personalities Beginning August 23

The European Forum Alpbach will be opened by Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen on August 23 and will host various outstanding speakers, either in person or virtually, for 12 days.

August 18, 2020

Austrian Officials Open 13th IPU Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament

The 13th IPU Summit is held virtually and will cover important topics dealing with countless inequalities women face today. The organization of the event is a common effort between the Austrian Parliament and the United Nations.

August 18, 2020

United States and Russia Continue Disarmament Talks in Vienna

Disarmament talks between Russia and the United States continue on Austrian territory. Representatives of both countries will discuss the expiring treaty "New Start".

August 17, 2020

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Visits Austria

The visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Austria comprised discussions with highest officials of the Austrian government including Chancellor Kurz and President Van der Bellen. Discussions were held about the Covid-19 pandemic, bilateral relations as well as about topics of international importance.

August 17, 2020

Visit of US Secretary of State to Austria Results in a Joint Declaration by Austria and the United States

A joint declaration by Austria and United States was issued as part of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to Austria. The declaration included, among other topics, commitment to rebuilding efforts after the Covid-19 crisis and the creation of an even better bilateral dialogue.

August 15, 2020

Austria's Federal Minister for Economic Affairs: New EU Trade Agreement with Vietnam Opens Doors

New EU trade agreement with Vietnam is likely to open doors to a very profitable market for Austrian businesses. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Schramböck hopes that domestic companies can capitalize on the favorable conditions in the future.

August 1, 2020

Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna Committed to Fixing Failings Exposed by COVID-19

On the occasion of the commemoration of the signing of the UN Charter 75 years ago, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ms Ghada Waly, praised Austria's reasonable approach to the COVID-19 situation and presented the new UN Action Plan for COVID.

June 26, 2020

COVID-19 and the Situation of Refugees in Austria

A research project at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW - Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften) reveals the situation of refugees in Austria in the midst of the Corona crisis.

June 25, 2020

Disarmament Talks Russia-USA in Vienna

Representatives from the USA and Russia are currently meeting in Vienna's Palais Niederösterreich to rescue the last active nuclear disarmament treaty "New Start".

June 22, 2020

Jewish World Congress and Austria Agree: Hezbollah is a Terrorist Organization

Following the Austrian National Council's decision that the EU should reassess its dealings with Hezbollah, as Austrian MPs see it as a terrorist organisation, the President of the World Jewish Congress, Ronald S. Lauder, welcomed this decision.

June 1, 2020

United Nations: How to Qualify for the Space4Youth Competition?

The Space4Youth competition for young people worldwide to share their ideas on space policy and exploration strives to elevate the voice of youth and to show how young people can contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

May 13, 2020

Coronavirus in Europe: Update

European coronavirus infections have passed 1,000,000. The number of deaths has now reached 166,007. According to the WHO World Health Organisation, the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is still in Europe, together with the US, where there are now more deaths than in the rest of the world. The number of infected and dead people is still doubling every four days in most European countries. Most of the 32 European countries presented in this study are under a state of emergency with curfews and border controls. There is also a lack of doctors, lung respiratory equipment and hospital beds. Following the situation update for the European Union, EEA, United Kingdom and Switzerland, as of April 21, 2020.

April 21, 2020

Isolated Austria: 238 Border Closures Approved

Almost complete border closures to almost all neighbours, Germany (58), Italy (47), Switzerland (30), Liechtenstein (11), Slovenia (51) and Hungary (43), with the exception of Slovakia, have been approved by the main committee of the National Council and have already been implemented.

March 21, 2020

Austrian Government Announces Drastic Measures on Coronavirus

In the fight against the coronavirus, the government has announced drastic measures for the first time. Entry ban from Italy, partial suspension of air and train traffic, cancellation of events, suspension of teaching at universities and technical colleges.

March 10, 2020

Austrian Chancellor Kurz at 10 Downing Street

Chancellor Kurz met with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in London today. The discussion with Johnson focused on London's future relations with the European Union.

February 25, 2020

Follow-up Meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chancellor Kurz

Following Alexander Schallenberg's visit to Mike Pompeo just a few days ago, the Federal Chancellery has now confirmed, according to various media, the fact that Sebastian Kurz will also be travelling to Washington, D.C. at the beginning of March.

February 14, 2020

Nuclear Safety: Nuclear Weapons, Nuclear Safety and Nuclear Power are Major Challenges

The international community currently faces numerous challenges in the field of nuclear safety. At the ICONS - International Conference on Nuclear Security Conference of the IAEA in Vienna, these issues were discussed at policymaker level.

February 13, 2020

US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in Vienna

The 82-year-old United States Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, who has been in office since February 28, 2017 and was nominated by Donald Trump, visited Vienna and met, among others, US Ambassador Trevor Traina, WKO President Mahrer, Finance Minister Blümel, Environment Minister Gewessler and Economics Minister Schramböck.

February 11, 2020

ICONS 2020 - Global Nuclear Security Players Prioritise Their Agenda

The IAEA is currently organizing the third International Conference on Nuclear Security: Sustaining and Strengthening Efforts (ICONS 2020) at its headquarters in Vienna. The conference provides a forum for ministers, senior officials, policymakers and nuclear security experts to formulate and exchange views on achievements and experiences, current approaches, future directions and priorities for nuclear security.The previous conference, held three years ago, attracted over 2000 participants, including 47 government ministers, from 139 Member States and 29 intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

February 10, 2020

Schallenberg in NYC and in Washington, D.C.

During his three-day visit to the USA, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg will meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, among others. The participation at the National Prayer Breakfast is also on the agenda.

February 4, 2020

Schwarzenegger in Vienna: Kick-off for Climate Conference

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Federal Chancellor Kurz stress the need for effective climate protection.

January 29, 2020

Holocaust Remembrance Day: Fighting Anti-Semitism with All Strengths

Jews should feel safe in Europe and be able to live without fear of attacks.

January 28, 2020