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Czech Republic in Austria | Czechs in Vienna | Bilateral Relations
Austria and the Czech Republic - Read the latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, diplomacy and culture
Refugee Crisis in Poland: European Parliament Presidents Visit Refugee Reception Center in Poland
Poland receives nine European Parliament Presidents, among them also Austria's Federal Council President Christine Schwarz-Fuchs. Together they visited the Polish-Ukrainian border crossing in Dorohusk and the refugee reception center Lwowska as well as the Humanitarian Aid Centre Ptak near Warsaw.
April 21, 2022
Meeting of the C5 in Prague - Central European Countries Discuss Czech Republic's Upcoming Council Presidency
At a meeting of the C5 in Prague, representatives of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and Austria discussed the consequences for Europe of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine and discussed the upcoming Czech presidency.
April 13, 2022
Threatened Former Soviet Republic of Moldova in Focus of Central European Foreign Policy
Moldavia is a country in eastern Europe, located in between Romania and Ukraine. Moldavia has had its troubles with Russia since the disputed Republic of Transnistria takes 50 percent of the land. Russia's invasion of Ukraine leads to a new perspective on security in Europe.
April 4, 2022
Ukrainian Ambassador in Vienna: "We need humanitarian assistance"
The war in Ukraine has been going on for several weeks and the humanitarian crisis is a new challenge for Europe. The Ukrainian Ambassador to Austria, Vasyl Khymynets, met with the Governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, and Provincial Councilor Martin Eichtinger for talks at the Palais Niederösterreich in Vienna. The discussion focused on Russia's violations of human rights and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
March 17, 2022
How Austria Is Supporting Ukrainian Refugees: Right of Residence and Relief Supplies
In Europe, an ever-increasing migration movement from Ukraine is becoming noticeable. The government of Austria decided to take several measures to help the fleeing people of Ukraine. Learn more about Austria's assistance.
March 16, 2022
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
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
Omicron Coming: New Entry Rules for Austria since December 20.
With immediate effect and thus before Christmas, new stricter entry rules apply for travel to Austria. This applies to both foreigners and locals. Please find the details as follows.
December 19, 2021
Austrian Foreign Ministry: New Appointments to 28 Senior Diplomatic Posts Worldwide
The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten) has decided in its last meeting of the Council of Ministers the new appointments of several (28) Austrian diplomats - as follows.
December 15, 2021
After Pandemic Shock, Strong Upturn in Foreign Trade: China +26.4 %, USA +18 %
New data for January to September 2021 shows that Austria's foreign trade is returning to pre-pandemic levels. Read about Austria's improving trade figures.
December 10, 2021
The Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic for Austria's Economy
The consequences of COVID-19 pandemic continue to determine economic activity in Austria and the banks’ higher resilience has been key to COVID-19 response.
November 29, 2021
Vienna Positions Itself in Its Target Markets with New International Relations Degree Program
The largest university of applied sciences in Austria, the FH Campus Wien offers the new part-time master program "International Relations and Urban Policy". Desired students are to come from Belgrade, Budapest, Krakow, Ljubljana, Prague, Sarajevo, Sofia, Zagreb and Bratislava.
November 10, 2021
Czech Republic Supports IWM Think Tank with 175,000 Euros
The Czech Republic has agreed to provide 175,000 euros in support for research at the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) from 2021 to 2023. Learn more about the new agreement and the IWM.
November 9, 2021
ÖBB Austrian Railways to Improve and Expand Local and Long-Distance Travel Services in 2022
Starting on December 12, 2021, ÖBB - Austrian Federal Railways will change its annual timetable, which will bring a number of improvements and expansions to local and long-distance services for the rail year 2022. In total, ÖBB Austrian Railways is investing over 4.1 billion euros in modern trains by 2027. Find out about international and domestic connection extensions.
October 26, 2021
Vienna Hosts "Central 5" Foreign Ministers
The foreign ministers of Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Austria, which make up the informal "Central 5" (C5) forum, recently met at the Albertina in Vienna. Read about the meeting, what Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Linhart said, and watch the full joint press conference.
October 26, 2021
Opening of the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting 2021 in Vienna
The IAEA Board of Governors met physically this week under the chairmanship of Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in the Plenary Hall of the M-Building at the Vienna International Centre (VIC), and discussed the topics listed below.
September 17, 2021
CTBTO Has a New Executive Secretary
Australian scientist Dr. Robert Floyd became the new Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) after signing an appointment letter at the CTBTO headquarters in Vienna. Learn more about him.
August 5, 2021
Real Estate: Property Becoming Increasingly Expensive in Austria
Real Estate prices continue to rise in Austria despite the COVID-19 pandemic. While the property market is becoming increasingly expensive, rents in Vienna remain fairly affordable. Learn the new cost of buying property in Austria and how it compares with the rest of Europe.
August 5, 2021
The Central 5 (C5) Discusses COVID-19 in Czech Republic
Slovak Foreign Minister Ivan Korčok, Slovenian Foreign Minister Anže Logar, Czech Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhánek, and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, met with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg as part of the “Central 5” (C5) country group. Here they discussed the COVID-19 pandemic, EU enlargement, and more.
July 23, 2021
What Is the Joint Vienna Institute and What Does It Do?
The Joint Vienna Institute (JVI) is a Vienna based International Organization which provides policy-oriented training primarily to public sector officials from countries in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, and other selected countries. It has been a hallmark of cooperation between the IMF and Austria for 29 years. Find out how the institute justifies its existence.
July 22, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: These Are the Updated Entry Rules
Due to today's amendment of the Austrian "COVID-19 Entry Regulation 2021", we bring you an update on the regulations for entering Austria.
July 20, 2021
Austrian-Based EU Strategy for the Danube Region Celebrates Anniversary
The EU Strategy for the Danube Region celebrates its 10th anniversary by highlighting its importance and contribution to Europe. 14 countries with a population of around 115 million people make up one of the strongest economic forces on the European continent.
June 29, 2021
Prague and Vienna Enter Into Cooperation Agreement
The Czech and Austrian capitals have agreed on a cooperation agreement that will cover information exchange in the fields of digitalization, sustainable development, and transport management. Read more about the agreement below.
June 17, 2021
GLOBSEC Forum in Slovakia: Heger and Kurz Demand Reforms in Exchange for Economic Aid
At a working meeting and at the GLOBSEC Forum in Bratislava, Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz discussed, among other things, the importance of EU's reconstruction fund and how aid should be distributed. Read more below.
June 16, 2021
Zeman and Van der Bellen Urge Better Relations with Russia
At a bilateral meeting in Vienna, Czech President Miloš Zeman and his Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen have agreed on the necessity to include Russia in Europe and demand negotiations with the Kreml. Read more below.
June 11, 2021
Austria, Czech Republic and Slovenia Want EU Accession of North Macedonia and Albania
During their visits to North Macedonia and Albania, the Czech, Slovenian and Austrian Foreign Ministers once again spoke out in favor of a rapid EU accession process for the two Wester Balkan states.
May 25, 2021
Berlin - Prague - Vienna: Plan of 4 Hour Rail Connection
Berlin to Prague to Vienna in four hours? A travel time that is now only possible via plane will become reality via a rail connection. A memorandum to this effect was signed by Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria.
May 19, 2021
Austrian Railways Relaunch International Connections
It is now once again possible to travel to European metropolises with the Austrian Railways (ÖBB). With the opening steps in the various areas of public life in Austria on May 19, the ÖBB has also revealed some changes to its schedules.
May 17, 2021
Schallenberg and Central 5: "Restore Cross-Border Travel as soon as Possible"
At the Central 5 meeting in Bratislava, with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine as a special guest, the Slovak, Czech, Slovenian, Hungarian and Austrian head of diplomacies discussed foreign relation issues, in particular cooperation in the progress for the European "Green Passport".
May 14, 2021
Czech Republic and Austria Ready for Bilateral "Green Passport"
The newly appointed Czech Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhánek and his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg met in Prague. Both politicians agreed on the need of a timely solution for inner-European travel and took the first steps towards a bilateral "Green Passport".
May 7, 2021
Schallenberg, Kulhánek and Korčok Condemn Violence Against Journalists
The three Foreign Ministers from Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of free journalism. The commentary was published in newspapers from the respective countries, a summary of the statement can be read below.
May 4, 2021
New Train Connection Between Prague and Vienna
The former, so-called "Vindobona" train connection between Vienna and Prague could be soon reinstated again. Talks between Austrian and Czech politicians have been positive for a connection between the two countries' capital cities, which would especially benefit Austrians from the Waldviertel, a region in the northwest of Lower Austria.
April 7, 2021
Prime Ministers from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Latvia and Croatia Meet Kurz
In order to discuss the EU vaccine distribution, the Prime Ministers from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Latvia, Croatia met Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. The country representatives demand a correction mechanism, which would erase differences in the vaccination progress between member countries.
March 17, 2021
Czech, Slovakian, Portuguese, and Austrian Foreign Minister Demand EU Accession of Western Balkans
In a meeting of the Slavkov Trio, namely Foreign Minister from Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Austria, and the Portuguese Foreign Minister, EU accession of the Western Balkans were discussed. Additionally, Portugal is currently heading the EU Council and the Portuguese Foreign Minister was therefore able to inform the three others about current issues.
March 10, 2021
Schallenberg at Central 5 Meeting in Slovenia
The Foreign Minister from Slovenia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria met in Brdo, Slovenia, to discuss the continuous cooperation in the Covid-19 pandemic, the he upcoming Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2021, and EU accession of the Western Balkan states.
March 2, 2021
Vondráček, Kollár and Sobotka Discuss Covid-19 Measures
The head of parliaments from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria met virtually to discuss the current Covid-19 situations in the respective countries. Vondráček, Kollár and Sobotka agreed on good communication between the countries regarding border controls, but also talked about the EU accession process of the Western Balkan states.
February 22, 2021
New Year's Reception for Vienna's Diplomatic Corps
Alexander Van Der Bellen and Pedro Lopez Quintana, the doyen of the diplomatic corps, delivered a video address on the occasion of the New Year 2021 to all diplomats accredited in Austria and to the international community in general. Read the most important excerpts from the Austrian President's speech below.
January 29, 2021
Austria Introduces Border Controls with Czech Republic and Slovakia
Due to high numbers of Covid-19 infection rates in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Austria's Ministry of Interior has introduced more strict border controls with both countries as of January 9, 2020. Small border crossings will be closed and at all others, every vehicle will be checked when entering Austria.
January 8, 2021
Czech President of the Parliament Met Sobotka
The Czech and Austrian Presidents of the Parliaments, Vondráček and Sobotka, met virtually to discuss the experiences of the pandemic and EU topics, such as the accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania, the EU's financial framework and the EU budget negotiations.
December 1, 2020 · Updated: December 21, 2020; 10:55
EU Multilateral Christmas Gala in Vienna
Vienna will be the host city of the EU Multilateral Christmas Gala taking place on December 19. The follow-up concert of the "TOGETHER as ONE" event in May will include a special and unique arrangement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony recorded live from the Schlosstheater Schönbrunn.
December 2, 2020
Virtual Meeting Between Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria
The Czech and Slovak Foreign Ministers met with Austria's European Affiars Minister to discuss cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic and the joint fight against terrorism. Other topics on the agenda were the EU's migration policy, the current budget negotiations and the conference on the future of Europe.
November 16, 2020
Central Five Held Virtual Conference
The Foreign Ministers of Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Austria (Central Five) held a virtual working meeting. On the agenda of the meeting were current foreign relation issues, but especially the ongoing fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent terror attack in Vienna.
November 12, 2020
European Commission Launches Initiatives Against Gender Pay Gap
With regards to the European Day of Equal pay, the day from which women will symbolically no longer be paid for the same work compared to their male colleagues until the end of the year, the European Commission has launched initiatives to tackle the persistent gender pay gap.
November 12, 2020
European Vocational Skills Week: Focus on Green and Digital Transition
The European Vocational Skills Week focuses on vocational education and training for environmental and digital change. Numerous online events from 38 countries can be attended to further knowledge and careers. Especially in times of economic and social hardship, obtaining new skills might provide decent recovery.
November 10, 2020
EU Budget: Austrian Commissioner Hahn Welcomes New Agreement
For the first time ever, the disbursement of funds from the next EU budget will be directly connected to the rule of law of each member state. This was negotiated by representatives of the European Parliament and the Council; among them is Austria's EU Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn.
November 5, 2020
Kurz: All of Europe in Middle of the Second Wave
At a video conference with all of the heads of state and government of the European Union, Chancellor Kurz and the other country heads discussed Covid-19 measures and a common approach of the EU. Since the second wave has already hit many of the member countries, better coordination than in the spring of this year is demanded by almost every country.
October 30, 2020
Beligum Is Now Warning of Travel to All of Austria
The Belgian Foreign Ministry now warns of travel to all nine federal states of Austria. Carinthia and Styria complete the list of the federal states that are depicted in red, which is the highest Covid-19 warning level. Travellers from these areas need to self-quarantine for at least ten days.
October 29, 2020
Hahn: European Commission Is Entering Top League of Global Financial Markets
With the issuing of social bonds worth EUR 17 billion, the European Commission tries to safeguard jobs and prevent the economy from collapsing in its member countries. Commission President von der Leyen as well as Austrian EU Budget Commissioner Hahn are pleased by this important step.
October 22, 2020
EU Council: Kurz Demands Better Coordination of Restrictions
At the EU Council of the heads of state and government, Chancellor Kurz demands better coordination of travel restrictions, quarantine periods and testing with regard to Covid-19. Other topics on the agenda were the Brexit negotiations, foreign relations, and climate protection.
October 16, 2020
European Ministers Sign EU Cloud Declaration
At the Informal Council of EU Minister for Telecommunication and Digitalization the future of the EU with regard to security, exchange and use of data was discussed. Austrian Minister Schramböck is delighted about the progress made and the signing of the EU Cloud Declaration that should enable an even better exchange of data among member states.
October 15, 2020
