Austria - International Political News - Vindobona.org

Austria and Ukraine Deepen Partnership in Culture, Education and Science

Ambassador Christoph Thun-Hohenstein, Head of the Section for Foreign Culture at the Austrian Foreign Ministry, and Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Khymynets sealed a forward-looking agreement with a handshake. For the first time, a comprehensive bilateral work program for cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and science was adopted. At a time of geopolitical challenges, this initiative is an important signal of solidarity and the common will to shape the future.

January 15, 2025

OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu Travels to Helsinki for His First Official Visit

The Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, is expected to make his first official visit to the Finnish capital Helsinki on 16 January 2025. The visit marks an important stage in his still young term of office, which he took up in December 2024. In addition to talks with high-ranking Finnish politicians and diplomats, the focus will be on security policy issues, which are urgent in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

January 15, 2025

Susanne Raab: Austria's Candidate for the Head of the ICMPD

The Austrian Federal Minister for Women, Family, Integration, and Media, Susanne Raab, has officially announced her candidacy as Director General of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). After the end of the current government, Raab intends to continue her career at the international level. The election for the new head of the ICMPD will take place in spring 2025 by the representatives of the 21 member states.

January 12, 2025

Belarus Refuses OSCE Election Observation: International Concern Grows

The Belarusian government's decision not to invite the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to observe the upcoming presidential elections on 26 January has caused international criticism and concern. The OSCE, in particular the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), strongly condemned this step and warned of the consequences for the country's democratic development.

January 9, 2025

Energy Partnership: Uniper Secures Natural Gas Supplies from OMV Petrom from 2027

According to insider information, the German energy group Uniper has concluded a long-term supply agreement with the Romanian OMV subsidiary OMV Petrom. From 2027, Uniper will purchase natural gas from Romania, extracted from the Neptun Deep project in the Black Sea. The agreement covers the supply of 15 terawatt hours of natural gas over five years. This corresponds to around 1.5 percent of total German gas imports in 2024.

January 7, 2025

Discussion on Europe's Future after Trump's Re-election at the Burgtheater Vienna

Donald Trump's re-election is causing a stir not only in the USA but also in Europe. While right-wing parties are celebrating Trump's victory as confirmation of their political agenda, liberal forces are concerned about the potential impact on transatlantic relations. It is precisely this area of tension that is the focus of a high-profile panel discussion at the Burgtheater in Vienna.

January 7, 2025

UN General Assembly Adopts Cybercrime Convention: A Step for UNODC for International Security

In a unanimous decision, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the first international cybercrime convention. Hailed by many as a historic achievement, this convention marks the first UN agreement on crime-related issues in over 20 years. In an increasingly digitalized world, the new convention aims to strengthen international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime and shape a safer digital future.

January 2, 2025

Finland Takes Over OSCE Chairmanship: Focus on Resilience and Ukraine Support

In 2025, the 50th anniversary year of the Helsinki Final Act, Finland will assume the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). With a clear focus on strengthening the resilience of the participating states and the organization, Finland is taking on a central role in Europe, marked by geopolitical tensions.

January 2, 2025

Switzerland Will Assume the OSCE Chairmanship in 2026

Switzerland will assume the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2026. This was announced today by Ian Borg, Malta's Deputy Prime Minister and Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE. The 57 participating states of the organization took the decision unanimously and underlined their collective confidence in the OSCE's ability to act.

December 30, 2024

Bankruptcy Proceedings Against Ostchem Holding GmbH: Ukrainian Oligarch Dmytro Firtash in Financial Difficulties

Bankruptcy proceedings were opened at the Salzburg Regional Court against Ostchem Holding GmbH, a company linked to a major oligarch in Ukraine. The Ukrainian entrepreneur Dmytro Firtash, considered one of Ukraine's most influential and wealthiest oligarchs, is the company's majority shareholder, which has increasingly run into financial difficulties in recent years.

December 23, 2024

The Marsalek Espionage Case: A Web of Intrigue and Agents

The espionage affair surrounding former Wirecard manager Jan Marsalek has developed into one of Europe's biggest secret service scandals. New revelations show how deep and widely ramified the network of the fugitive manager, who is said to be operating on behalf of Russian intelligence services, is. The case reveals not only a complex network of agents and connections but also an alarming security situation in Austria and beyond.

December 22, 2024

Austria's Schallenberg Calls for New EU Course in Syria and Criticizes Israeli Occupation

Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) is calling for a more pragmatic approach from European foreign policy in dealing with Syria and is positioning himself on the side of international law with his criticism of Israel's occupation of the Golan Heights. His demands have met with mixed reactions within the EU, but also raise fundamental questions about Europe's role in the region. Whether this course will endure remains uncertain given Austria's often cautious foreign policy.

December 18, 2024

Poland and Austria Network in the Field of Fintech and Finance

The Polish Embassy in Vienna hosted the conference “Poland and Austria: cooperation and exchange of expertise. Fintech and finance” took place. The event brought together many experts, industry representatives, and decision-makers from Poland and Austria. The aim was to network the dynamically growing Polish fintech sector with the stable and well-regulated Austrian financial market and explore potential cooperation areas.

December 18, 2024

Austria and Nauru: Working Together to Tackle Global Challenges

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and his Nauruan counterpart Lionel Rouwen Aingimea met in Vienna for a bilateral meeting. Topics such as climate change, the geopolitical situation in the Indo-Pacific, and global security issues took center stage.

December 17, 2024

Austria Joins Artemis Accords: A Milestone for International Space Cooperation

Austria has become the 50th country to sign the Artemis Accords, thus taking an important step towards international cooperation in space research. Ambassador Petra Schneebauer signed the agreement in the presence of NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Jennifer R. Littlejohn, Acting Assistant Secretary of State at the US Department of State.

December 12, 2024

OSCE Ministerial Council in Malta: Challenges for the European Security Architecture

The 31st Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) ended today in Malta with groundbreaking decisions aimed at securing the future of the organization and strengthening its ability to act. The meeting focused on personnel decisions, institutional reforms, the controversial participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and the ongoing tensions surrounding the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.

December 12, 2024

OPEC Revises Forecasts and Cadre: Decline in Global Oil Demand Expected

OPEC has revised its expectations for global oil demand in 2024 and 2025 downwards for the fifth time in a row. At the same time, the organization is celebrating the eighth anniversary of the “Declaration of Cooperation” and appointing new leaders.

December 12, 2024

New Flight Connection Between Vienna and Chengdu Inaugurated

Hainan Airlines links Europe and Asia with a new direct flight route between Vienna and Chengdu. The opening of the route was attended by a prominent delegation, including Qi Mei, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Austria, Julian Jäger, CEO of Flughafen Wien AG, Meng Fanzhuang, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, and Zhang Zhuo, General Manager Austria of Hainan Airlines. The event marks another milestone in the bilateral relations between Austria and China.

December 12, 2024

Reforms as the Key to the Future of the EU: Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Road to Membership

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg received his counterpart from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, for a working meeting in Vienna. The meeting focused on Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU accession process, bilateral relations, and current foreign policy issues. The message was clear: reforms are the key to the country's EU future.

December 11, 2024

OMV Terminates Gas Supply Contract with Gazprom

OMV has terminated its long-term gas supply contract with the Russian energy group Gazprom with immediate effect. According to OMV, this was due to “fundamental breaches of contract” by Gazprom, in particular, because no gas deliveries have taken place since November 16, 2024. This decision represents a turning point in Austrian energy policy and marks the end of a business relationship that has lasted over 50 years.

December 11, 2024

Austria Halts Asylum Procedure for Syrians: Consequences and Reactions

One day after the fall of Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, Austria and many other European countries drastically revised their asylum policies for Syrian citizens. Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) instructed Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) to suspend all ongoing Syrian asylum procedures and to review existing grants of asylum. This also applies to family reunification, which will be temporarily halted. Germany, Italy, and Great Britain have also taken similar steps.

December 11, 2024

Police Violence During Protests in Georgia: Sharp Criticism from OSCE and Ombudsman

The escalating protests in Georgia against the government's decision to suspend EU accession negotiations until 2028 have been accompanied by a wave of international criticism. Both the OSCE and the Georgian human rights commissioner have condemned the disproportionate use of force by the police. Reports of excessive police violence, numerous injuries, and arrests paint a bleak picture of the situation in the former Soviet republic.

December 4, 2024

Firtash Remains in Vienna for the Time Being: Regional Court Stops Extradition to the USA

The long-running legal dispute over Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash's extradition to the USA has taken a new turn. The Vienna Regional Court ruled that the controversial businessman's extradition to the United States was inadmissible. However, this decision may not be the last word in the internationally sensational case, as the Vienna public prosecutor's office has already announced that it will appeal by December 16.

December 4, 2024

René Benko at the Center of International Investigations: Arrest Warrant from Italy for Real Estate Projects

An international warrant for the arrest of Austrian real estate entrepreneur René Benko, founder of the Signa empire, has triggered a wave of investigations extending from Italy to Austria and Germany. The accusations range from corruption and criminal association to violations of tax law. While Benko was questioned in Tyrol and remains at large, extensive investigations are underway in Italy, involving over 100 searches and the arrest of nine suspects.

December 3, 2024

Cultural Bridge between Austria and Japan: Schönbrunn Palace and Himeji Castle Enter Into Partnership

Two of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna and Himeji Castle in Japan signed a partnership agreement. This cooperation aims to preserve cultural treasures, exchange knowledge, and promote sustainable tourism and cultural education. The signing ceremony took place in the magnificent White and Gold Rooms of Schönbrunn Palace and was attended by high-ranking representatives from both countries.

December 2, 2024

Islamic Religious Community in Austria on the Future of Imam Training

With the symposium “Imams in modern society: training paths and social responsibility”, the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ) initiated a discussion about the role of imams in Austria. The event aimed to lay the foundations for Austrian imam training that does justice to both the religious traditions of Muslim communities and the requirements of a pluralistic society.

December 2, 2024

New Institute in Vienna with Conference on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Society

The luxury hotel SO/Vienna opened its doors for an event on the technological future: “AI & The Future: The Age of Machines” by a new think tank in Vienna, the Vienna Institute for Global Studies.

November 28, 2024

Austrian Chancellor Nehammer Invites Donald Trump to Austria for Ukraine Peace Talks

In a telephone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer congratulated him on his election victory and signaled Austria's willingness to act as a neutral venue for peace talks in the Ukraine conflict. The talks also covered energy security, economic and defense cooperation, and strengthening bilateral relations between Austria and the USA.

November 27, 2024

BRICS 2024: Diplomacy Between Myths and Reality

The 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, was highlighted by Dmitry Lyubinsky, the Russian Ambassador to Austria, as one of the most important global events of 2024. In his statement, Lyubinsky repeatedly criticized the portrayal of the alliance in Western media and addressed supposed myths surrounding BRICS. But how convincing are his arguments?

November 26, 2024

Austria's Commitment to Freedom of Religion and Belief: From Red Wednesday to International Alliances

On “Red Wednesday”, a campaign by the international Catholic aid organization Aid to the Church in Need, the focus is on the fate of millions of persecuted, oppressed, and threatened Christians. Numerous buildings around the world, including in Austria, will be illuminated in red to commemorate the victims of persecution and violence. The Austrian Foreign Ministry has actively supported this campaign for years and is committed to freedom of religion and belief as well as the protection of religious minorities - at national and international levels.

November 24, 2024

Arrest Warrants Against Netanyahu and Gallant: Austria Sharply Criticizes ICC Decision

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. This decision has sparked fierce international debate and provoked harsh criticism - including from Austria. The Austrian Foreign Ministry published a clear statement describing the arrest warrants as “incomprehensible and incomprehensible”.

November 24, 2024

Focus on European and Global Economic Interdependencies: 21st Vienna Economic Forum 2024

High-ranking representatives from business and politics gathered at the House of Engineers in Vienna to take part in the 21st Vienna Economic Forum - Vienna Future Dialogue 2024. Under this year's motto “Regional economy as part of the European and global economy”, the forum was all about economic and political dialog. The event provided a platform for analyzing the challenges of the present and working together to develop paths for a sustainable future.

November 21, 2024

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi Honored with the Henry DeWolf Smyth Nuclear Statesman Award

Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), was honored with the Henry De Wolf Smyth Nuclear Statesman Award at the American Nuclear Society (ANS) Winter Conference in Florida. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

November 20, 2024

Iran Announces Limitation of Uranium Production: IAEA and the International Community are Watching Closely

Iran has announced that it will voluntarily limit its production of highly enriched uranium. This decision was announced by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, following talks with high-ranking Iranian officials in Tehran. The measure is seen as an important step towards de-escalation, particularly given the ongoing tensions in the region.

November 19, 2024

1,000 Days of War: Austria Steps Up Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine and Moldova

Tuesday, November 21, 2024, marks the 1,000th anniversary of the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. In a statement, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg condemned the “brutal war of aggression in violation of international law”, which has plunged Ukraine into a humanitarian and economic crisis for 1,000 days.

November 19, 2024

Russian Gas Flow to Austria: Stop of Gazprom Deliveries without Noticeable Effects

Despite the cessation of gas deliveries by the Russian energy group Gazprom to the Austrian OMV, the gas flow to Austria remains stable. Deliveries were registered at the important Baumgarten hub in Lower Austria, albeit with a slight reduction compared to previous months.

November 19, 2024

Celebrities and Journalists from Austria, Europe and America Leave X

The once important platform Twitter, now known as X, is experiencing a massive decline in prominent users. While international personalities such as Stephen King or media outlets such as the British Guardian have announced their departure, the exodus is also becoming visible in Austria. Numerous opinion leaders and journalists have closed their accounts under the hashtag #eXit.

November 17, 2024

UNODC: Increase in Opium Cultivation in Afghanistan Despite Continued Drug Ban

According to a recent report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna, opium cultivation in Afghanistan increased by 19 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. After an unprecedented decline of 95% in 2023, when the de facto authorities enforced a strict ban on cultivation, the area under cultivation has reached 12,800 hectares. Nevertheless, cultivation is still far below the figures for 2022, when 232,000 hectares were used for opium cultivation.

November 17, 2024

Arbitration Court Awards OMV 230 Million Euros in Dispute with Gazprom

A significant legal victory for OMV: the Austrian energy group has successfully concluded arbitration proceedings against Gazprom Export under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

November 14, 2024

Against Forgetting Political Prisoners in Belarus: “Connection” at Playhouse Vienna

Belarusian artist Maryna Yakubovich presented her solo performance “Connection” at Schauspielhaus Wien. This one-woman play focuses on the courageous resistance against political oppression in Belarus and sheds light on the dramatic situation of the opposition. The performance occurred as part of the Artists Solidarity Program Europe (ASoP) of the Austrian Foreign Ministry.

November 13, 2024

Othmar Karas is the New President of the European Forum Alpbach

Othmar Karas, long-time ÖVP-EU politician and former Vice-President of the European Parliament, is the new President of the European Forum Alpbach (EFA). With the handover from Andreas Treichl, who successfully reoriented the Forum over the last four years, Karas takes over the leadership of one of the most important platforms for European dialogue on future issues. Othmar Karas has already announced his plans for an even more international and European forum.

November 10, 2024

Focus on Environmental Disasters: Austria and Italy Intensify Cooperation in Environmental Monitoring

At the Italian Embassy in Vienna, international experts and representatives from politics, science, and civil protection discussed innovative methods for monitoring environmental disasters. The event emphasized the urgency of cross-sectoral cooperation and the exchange of scientific findings to overcome global environmental crises.

November 10, 2024

Austria's National Bank Chief: Budget Coffers are Filling Up Again

Robert Holzmann, Governor of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank, sees the high inflation of recent years as a major challenge for Austrian savers. Now that salaries have risen and household budgets are being replenished, he nevertheless urges caution. For a sustainable economic upturn, he says, consumer and investor confidence is essential.

November 10, 2024

62nd Round of Geneva Talks: Progress and Challenges in the Dialogue on the Conflicts in the South Caucasus

Delegations gathered at the Palais des Nations on November 5 and 6, 2024 for the 62nd round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) on the unresolved conflicts in the South Caucasus. The Geneva talks, which have been convened since 2008 following the Georgian-Russian war, provide a platform for dialog and diplomatic exchange between Georgia, Russia, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and representatives of the EU, OSCE, and the United Nations.

November 6, 2024

Intense Debates and Optimistic Solutions at the Vienna Migration Conference 2024

The annual Vienna Migration Conference (VMC), organized by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), took place at Palais Liechtenstein and brought together more than 300 leading representatives from politics, academia, business, and civil society to debate current and future challenges in migration policy.

November 4, 2024

Orbán's Controversial Visit to Vienna: Talks, Alliances and Criticism

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's visit to Vienna caused a stir across Europe and highlighted the ideological tensions within the EU. His meetings with FPÖ representatives and the discussions about the war in Ukraine and the future of Europe divided opinion between supporters of national sovereignty and advocates of European integration.

November 3, 2024

OPEC+ Extends Oil Production Cuts by One Month

OPEC+ has decided to extend the voluntary production cuts since November 2023 by 2.2 million barrels per day until the end of December 2024.

November 3, 2024

Austria's Wooden Ribbon: A Symbol of Innovation for the Expo 2025

Austria is preparing for Expo 2025 in Osaka and recently presented the centerpiece of its pavilion in Lower Austria: a spiral-shaped wooden loop that symbolizes the motto “Composing the Future”. This impressive sculpture stands for Austrian craftsmanship and the strong connection to Japan, which is to be further strengthened by the Expo.

October 31, 2024

Raiffeisen Bank International: Consolidated Profit Excluding Belarus, Russia at 856 Million Euros

Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) is successfully continuing its strategy of reducing risks in challenging markets and was able to present a solid performance for the first nine months of this year despite the withdrawal from Russia and Belarus. Adjusted consolidated profit, which was calculated without contributions from these two countries, amounted to EUR 856 million. RBI thus remains stable, while at the same time implementing its withdrawal plan from the Russian business.

October 29, 2024

Moldova and the UAE Launch Space Technology Projects with UNOOSA and MBRSC

In a major international collaboration, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced the winners of the second round of the Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI): the Technical University of Moldova (TUM) and the start-up Madari Space Limited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

October 29, 2024