Austria - International Political News
Read the latest headlines about developments in Austrian foreign politics with reference to the international interest
Sergei Lavrov Expects Clarifications from Individual Western Countries on Russia's Security
The Russian foreign minister's remarks raise hopes for further diplomatic efforts in the Ukraine crisis.
February 2, 2022
German and Austrian EU Ministers Supportive of Accession Process for Western Balkans
German EU Minister Anna Lührmann met with Austrian EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler in Vienna. Read what they said about EU accession for the Western Balkan states, compulsory vaccination, and more.
February 1, 2022
Official State Visit of the King and Queen of Spain to Austria
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain were in Austria on an official state visit. The royal couple was received by President Van der Bellen at the Hofburg in Vienna. Read about their visit and the opening of the new Salvador Dali exhibition at Belvedere.
February 1, 2022
How Close Are We to War Between Russia and the Ukraine?
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain very high, and some have called a Russian invasion imminent. Read what Nina L. Kruscheva, an expert on Russia and international affairs, said about the likelihood of a war between Russia and Ukraine.
January 31, 2022
Which Migration Issues to Watch for in 2022
2022 will be another challenging year for EU migration policy. The Vienna based International Centre for Migration Policy Development presents a brief analysis of migration and policy trends and provides an outlook on developments and events to watch out.
January 31, 2022
Interpol Secretary General in Vienna: "Dangers to internal security in Europe originating on other continents"
The Secretary General of Interpol, Jürgen Stock, was in Vienna to meet with Interior Minister Karner to discuss security issues and the upcoming 100th anniversary of Interpol. Read about their meeting and the upcoming General Assembly in Vienna.
January 28, 2022
Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Schallenberg Visit Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial Site
On the occasion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, 2022, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid visited the Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial together with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg, Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and Governor Thomas Stelzer.
January 27, 2022
Vienna Nuclear Talks: Direct Contacts between Tehran and Washington Possible
Iranian leadership has suggested that Iran may be open to meeting directly with U.S. officials for negotiations to revive the Iran Nuclear Deal. Read about this significant stance change and what it means for the JCPOA.
January 27, 2022
EU Council President in Vienna: "Situation on the Russian-Ukrainian border worrisome"
European Council President Charles Michel was in Vienna to discuss the tense situation at Ukraine's border and other pressing issues with Chancellor Nehammer. Read about their discussion.
January 27, 2022
Expo 2020 Dubai: Austria's Youth Showcase Their Innovation
The four teams that won Austria's "Innovative Youth" competition will get to showcase their projects at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai. Read about the competition and what the winning projects were.
January 27, 2022
Corruption Index International: Austria Loses Points for the Second Time in a Row
According to Transparency International's global corruption index, Austria has become even more corrupt and now finds itself in 13th place. The U.S. is in 67th place, and South Sudan ranks last, at 180th.
January 26, 2022
#WeRemember: Heads of Austrian, German, and Israeli Parliaments Meet Ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day
German Bundestag President Bärbel Bas and Israeli Knesset President Mickey Levy recently met with Austrian National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka in Berlin to discuss the fight against anti-Semitism and the #WeRemember campaign. Read about their meeting and this important campaign ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
January 26, 2022
Brussels: Schallenberg Attends Ukraine Crisis Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers
Foreign Minister Schallenberg attended a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. The meeting, which U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also attended virtually, focused on the ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine. Read about the meeting and watch an interview with Foreign Minister Schallenberg.
January 26, 2022
Meet the New Ambassadors of Congo, Bhutan, Burundi and Djibouti to Austria
The new Ambassadors of Congo, Bhutan, Burundi, and Djibouti to Austria presented their credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about these new ambassadors.
January 25, 2022
Risk of Disastrous Nuclear Conflict Higher Than Ever Before
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists kept the "doomsday clock" set at "100 seconds to midnight" yet again this year, arguing that current geopolitical tensions have put the risk of nuclear conflict higher than ever before. Read what has the scientists so worried and what Foreign Minister Schallenberg said about the threat.
January 25, 2022
European Leaders Take Unified Position Against Russian Aggression Against Ukraine
Several heads of state - including Ursula von der Leyen, Jens Stoltenberg, Boris Johnson, Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, Mario Draghi, Charles Michel and Polish President Andrzej Duda, representing the Chairmanship of the OSCE - took part in a virtual meeting organised by the President of the United States Joe Biden, on Russia’s continued military build-up in and around Ukraine and its implications for European and international security.
January 24, 2022
C.I.A. Review Finds Mysterious "Havana Syndrome" Unlikely Caused by Enemies
A CIA assessment has found that most of the cases of the "Havana Syndrome" that has been affecting hundreds of diplomats around the world are not likely the result of actions of a foreign power. Read about the CIA's findings and what they believe the cause of Havana Syndrome is.
January 24, 2022
Van der Bellen: New Year's Address to the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna
President Van der Bellen delivered his New Year's address to the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna. He talked about the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and more. Read what the president said and watch his speech.
January 24, 2022
Austria's Position on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain high as Russia still has thousands of troops stationed on the Ukrainian border. Read Austria's position on the issue.
January 22, 2022
Schallenberg on Russia's Aggression Toward Ukraine: "Dialogue where possible. Clear lines where necessary."
Foreign Minister Schallenberg gave a speech in the Austrian National Council in which he addressed the current tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Read what the foreign minister warned about the situation.
January 21, 2022
Kazakh Foreign Minister in Vienna Promises Investigation into the Unrest
Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Muchtar Tileuberdi met with Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Vienna, and the pair discussed the recent protests and violence in Kazakhstan. Read more about their discussion, and watch their joint press conference.
January 20, 2022
Austria's Initiatives to Strengthen EU External Border Management
Austria is co-organizing a conference in Lithuania to discuss EU external border protection. Interior Minister Karner, who will represent Austria at the meeting, first stopped in Hungary to talk about the issue with his Hungarian counterpart Sándor Pintér. Read more about Austria's efforts to strengthen EU external border management.
January 20, 2022
Meet Mordechai Rodgold, Israel's Ambassador to Vienna
H.E. Mr. Mordechai Rodgold is the current Ambassador of Israel to Austria. Learn more about Ambassador Rodgold and his impressive career.
January 19, 2022
Meet the New Mongolian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Tsengeg Mijiddorj
The new Ambassador of Mongolia to Austria, H.E. Mr. Tsengeg Mijiddorj, presented his credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about Ambassador Mijiddorj.
January 18, 2022
Israel and Austria Step Up Cooperation on Security Issues
Israeli Ambassador Mordechai Rodgold and Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner met for working talks to discuss further cooperation on security issues. Read more about their meeting and what they said about the fight against anti-Semitism.
January 18, 2022
Meet the New Italian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Stefano Beltrame
The new Ambassador of Italy to Austria, H.E. Mr. Stefano Beltrame, presented his credentials to Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Learn more about the new ambassador.
January 17, 2022
Schallenberg Cautions "Ukraine's Sovereignty Is Not Negotiable Under Any Circumstances"
Foreign Minister Schallenberg recently discussed the current tensions between Ukraine and Russia at a meeting with his counterparts from the EU in Brest, France. Read more about Schallenberg's stance on Ukraine and dealing with Russia in the context of Russia's troop buildup and a recent cyberattack on Ukraine.
January 17, 2022
U.S. and EU Establish "Transatlantic Coordination" Against Russia
Europe and the U.S. are closing ranks in the face of feared Russian aggression against Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and EU High Representative Josep Borrell are determined to "form a strong, clear and united transatlantic front," European Union External Action announced after a phone call between the two. According to the statement, they expressed their commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
January 16, 2022
President of Switzerland on Official State Visit to Austria
On his first official visit to Austria as president, Swiss President Ignazio Cassis met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Read more about the meeting between the two presidents.
January 14, 2022
Meet the New Canadian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Troy Barry Lulashnyk
The new Ambassador of Canada to Austria, H.E. Mr. Troy Barry Lulashnyk, presented his credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about Mr. Lulashnyk.
January 14, 2022
Russia: Authorities Liquidate Memorial, One of the Country's Most Respected Human Rights Groups
The Russian authorities' move to extinguish one of the oldest and most influential human rights groups in the country, demonstrates their relentless determination to end ongoing human rights work in Russia. Memorial's independent institutions outside Russia continue to exist.
January 14, 2022
Meet the New Ukrainian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Vasyl Khymynets
The new Ambassador of Ukraine to Austria, H.E. Mr. Vasyl Khymynets, presented his credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about him.
January 13, 2022
Iran Nuclear Talks: Israel Will Not Feel Bound by the Agreement
In his first appearance before the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett made it clear that he will not consider himself bound by any outcome of the Vienna nuclear talks with Iran. As recently as late December, he still signaled interest in reaching an agreement and possibly changing Israel's position on the Iran negotiations.
January 13, 2022
Meet the Ambassador of the UK to Austria and Permanent Representative to the Intl Organisations in Vienna, H.E. Ms. Lindsay Skoll
The new Ambassador of the UK to Austria and Permanent Representative of the UK to the International Organizations in Vienna is H.E. Ms. Lindsay Skoll. Learn more about Ms. Skoll and her impressive career.
January 13, 2022
Vicki Kennedy Accredited as U.S. Ambassador to Austria
Victoria Kennedy presented her credentials to Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, officially making her the new Ambassador of the United States to Austria. Learn more about the new ambassador.
January 12, 2022
NATO and Russian Leaders Say Differences "Will Be Hard to Bridge"
Representatives from NATO and Russia met in Brussels at the NATO-Russia Council to try to de-escalate the tensions between Russia and Ukraine and NATO. Read what each side is demanding and why the leaders say the differences "will be hard to bridge."
January 12, 2022
Resumption of the Vienna Nuclear Talks with Iran and Two New Ladies
Negotiations on reviving the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers are already continuing in Vienna. Two new representatives from Germany and the United Kingdom joined the talks at the start of the current round of negotiations. Find out who they are.
January 11, 2022
Crisis in Lebanon - Austria's 180 Men Help Counter Hezbollah
Foreign Minister Schallenberg is in Lebanon for a working visit to discuss the ongoing crisis the country is facing. Read more about Schallenberg's visit and how Austria plans to help Lebanon.
January 11, 2022
Russian Cultural Diplomacy: 130 Years of Moscow in Vienna
Russian Ambassador to Austria Dmitrij Ljubinskij recently held an event to present a new book on the Russian Embassy in Vienna entitled "Moscow in Vienna: The Palais Nassau - Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Austria." Read about the event and the new book.
January 11, 2022
Joint Statement of the Leaders of the Five Nuclear-Weapon States: Austria's Foreign Minister Calls for Concrete Action
"We finally need concrete progress towards nuclear disarmament according to the obligations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, but unfortunately the development is going in the wrong direction", says Alexander Schallenberg.
January 10, 2022
OPEC: Kuwaiti Al-Ghais Succeeds Nigerian Barkindo as Secretary General
Mr. Haitham Al-Ghais of Kuwait was recently appointed as the next Secretary General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Read more about Mr. Al-Ghais, as well as the accomplishments of his predecessor Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo.
January 10, 2022
United States Ambassador Designate to Austria Kennedy Landed in Vienna: "Good morning, Austria!"
Ambassador-designate Victoria Kennedy has landed in Vienna to assume her role as ambassador of the United States to Austria. Read about Ambassador-designate Kennedy's arrival, her plans for her ambassadorship, and her background.
January 10, 2022
Covid in Austria: The Situation Among Refugees and People With Migrant Backgrounds
As the World Health Organization is reporting vaccine inequity for migrants in national vaccine rollouts around the world, Austria is attempting to vaccinate its migrant population by offering vaccinations at the integration centers throughout the country. Read about how this is going.
December 22, 2021
Austrian Economic Delegation Visits UAE and Expo 2020 Dubai
An economic delegation representing Austria visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the World Expo 2020 Dubai. Read about the delegation's official visit to the UAE.
December 22, 2021
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović Meets with Schallenberg
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović recently met with Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Vienna. Read about their discussion of various human rights issues.
December 20, 2021
Nehammer on First Trip to Brussels as Chancellor: "I'm an Ardent European"
Chancellor Nehammer made his first trip to Brussels for the European Council and the EU Eastern Partnership Summit. There he met with the other heads of state and government of the EU member states, as well as EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Read what Nehammer discussed on the trip.
December 16, 2021
Austrian Government Opposes Boycott of the China Winter Olympics
The Austrian government has expressed its opposition to a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in China. Read which countries support the boycott and what the Austrian government has said about it.
December 16, 2021
Priorities of Austrian Foreign Policy in the Face of Numerous Global Challenges in 2022
The Foreign Policy Committee of the Austrian National Council recently met to discuss some of the major global challenges going into 2022. Read which issues they discussed and Austria's stance on them.
December 15, 2021
Portrait: Who Is Robert Malley, the Old and New U.S. Lead Negotiator of the Iran Nuclear Talks?
In 2021, Robert Malley was appointed U.S. Special Envoy for Iran, which means he is once again the lead negotiator for the U.S. in the Iran nuclear talks. Read about Mr. Malley's career and his efforts to limit Iran's nuclear activities.
December 15, 2021
Austria Offers to Build Bridges in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
In the EU Main Committee in the Austrian Parliament, Chancellor Nehammer offered for Austria to be a "bridge-builder" in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Read about the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine and Austria's efforts at de-escalation.
December 14, 2021
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