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Vienna Diplomatic News | ViennaDiplomacy | Cultural Diplomacy
Read the latest headlines about diplomatic missions and international organizations in Vienna and Austria
Austria at 20 Years of Slovenia's EU Membership Under the Sign of Enlargement
At a time of profound changes and challenges in Europe, Slovenia is celebrating a significant anniversary of its EU membership. The celebrations were accompanied by a meeting of European heads of state, more specifically Slovenia's neighbors, who discussed the future of the Union and enlargement policy.
April 24, 2024
Malta Champions Enhanced UN-OSCE Cooperation Amidst Global Security Challenges
As Malta takes a prominent stance in international diplomacy by chairing the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), it has vowed to strengthen its collaboration with the United Nations to face what is described as Europe's greatest security challenge since 1945. Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg affirmed the commitment during his address to the UN Security Council in New York City.
April 23, 2024
Reflection on the Diplomatic Posture: France's Ambassador Gilles Pécout Comments
The French Ambassador to Austria, Gilles Pécout, gave a final interview before leaving Austria on the current geopolitical challenges and the position of France and Austria in the face of increasing tensions with Russia.
April 23, 2024
UNODC Launches Global Initiative to Combat Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants
At a time of global challenges such as war, large-scale migration and refugee flows, increasing cybercrime, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic, human trafficking and migrant smuggling have become a multi-billion dollar business. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna has presented a new global initiative to combat these problems.
April 22, 2024
Raiffeisen Bank International Expects ECB Call to Accelerate Withdrawals from Russia
Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) is facing increasing pressure from the European Central Bank (ECB) to reduce its business activities in Russia more rapidly. This follows a number of developments and the publication of an ad hoc announcement by the bank in which it is expected that the ECB will make an official request to accelerate the wind-down measures in the near future.
April 18, 2024
Russia Expels Austrian Diplomats and Threatens Further Measures
In the latest twist in diplomatic relations between Austria and Russia, the Russian Foreign Ministry has declared an Austrian diplomat an "undesirable person". This decision follows the expulsion of two Russian diplomats from Austria in March in connection with allegations of espionage.
April 17, 2024
Escalating Tensions: EU Responds to Iranian Missile Strikes on Israel
Tensions in the Middle East have further escalated following the recent Iranian drone and missile attacks on Israel, prompting an international response, particularly from the European Union. An urgently convened virtual meeting of EU foreign ministers, including Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, took place to discuss the situation and possible steps to be taken.
April 17, 2024
OSCE Chair Ian Borg Concludes Diplomatic Tour Across Serbia, Kosovo, and Moldova
Ian Borg, the Chair-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Malta’s Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, recently wrapped up a series of diplomatic visits aimed at strengthening partnerships and advocating for continued dialogue and cooperation within the OSCE member states, focusing on Serbia, Kosovo, and Moldova.
April 15, 2024
Vienna Stock Exchange Experiences First Record Quarter Despite Global Uncertainties
The Vienna Stock Exchange closed the first quarter of 2024 with a remarkable increase in bond listings, although the economic environment continues to be characterized by high-interest rates, the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Middle East, and high inflation. Despite these challenges, the exchange recorded a record 3,000 new listings, the best start to a year in its history.
April 14, 2024
Vienna to Host Austria's Honorary Consular Conference 2024
The Austrian capital Vienna was the center for the Honorary Consular Conference 2024, attended by around 200 honorary consuls from all over the world. The meeting, which takes place from April 10 to 12, is the first of its kind since 2015 and serves as a platform for the exchange and further development of consular practice.
April 14, 2024
Escalating Tensions at Europe's Largest Nuclear Plant Amidst War in Ukraine
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility, has become a focal point of escalating tensions and mutual accusations between the two nations. The plant, seized by Russian forces early in the invasion, now sits precariously at the center of military and geopolitical strife, with both nations accusing each other of dangerous provocations.
April 14, 2024
FPÖ Distances Itself from Friendship Treaty with "United Russia"
In a press conference, the Third President of the National Council, Norbert Hofer, clarified that the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) relativizes the friendship treaty concluded with the United Russia party in 2016. This comes in light of the recent accusations of an espionage affair involving the FPÖ.
April 14, 2024
Traditional Inaugural Visit of the Swiss Head of State to Vienna: Deepening bilateral relations between Switzerland and Austria
Swiss President Viola Amherd met with her Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen. During geopolitical uncertainty and European challenges, the bilateral talks focused on European security policy, relations with the EU, and the planned Ukraine peace conference.
April 10, 2024
Slovakia Takes the Helm of ICPDR Presidency
In the annual transition for the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), Slovakia has officially taken over the presidency from Serbia, marking the beginning of a year dedicated to enhancing the health and sustainability of the Danube River Basin.
April 9, 2024
Annual Conference of European Local Councils in Vienna
In the magnificent setting of the Austrian National Library located at the Hofburg, leading political players, including Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Austrian Minister for Europe Karoline Edtstadler, gathered for the conference marking the annual meeting of the European Community Councils.
April 9, 2024
Austria Deploys 50th Contingent to Kosovo for Peacekeeping
The Austrian Armed Forces are continuing their long-standing commitment to peace and security in Kosovo. At the beginning of April, the 50th contingent of Austrian troops will be deployed to the KFOR mission. This mission, in which Austria has been involved since 1999, will now be continued under the leadership of Colonel Bernhard Gruber of the General Staff Service, who will assume responsibility for around 190 soldiers.
April 8, 2024
Austria's Nehammer and France's Macron: An Alliance for Innovation and Security
During his first bilateral working visit to France, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer underlined the importance of promoting innovation and the joint fight against terrorism and organized crime as key topics of his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
April 8, 2024
Influential Voice in Culture and Politics: Nina Khrushcheva at the Salzburg Festival
Nina Khrushcheva, an outstanding academic, great-granddaughter of the famous Soviet Communist Party leader Nikita Khrushchev, and fierce critic of the current Russian government, will take to the podium at this year's Salzburg Festival with an opening speech that has already caused a sensation in the run-up to the festival. This event not only marks a cultural highlight of the year but also a moment of profound reflection on the role of art in turbulent times.
April 3, 2024
Transit Clash at the Alps: Italy's Salvini Against Austrian Bans
The increasingly explosive dispute over the Tyrolean anti-transit measures is escalating between Italy and Austria. Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini publicly accused the Austrian government of "arrogance" and criticized the European Commission for its "long-standing shameful inaction".
April 3, 2024
Seventh OPEC-China Energy Talks in Vienna: Joint Focus on Sustainable Future and Energy Cooperation
The seventh high-level meeting of the OPEC-China Energy Dialogue took place in the Austrian capital. The meeting was hosted by the Secretariat of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), with key representatives from both sides discussing their visions and plans for the future of energy cooperation and sustainable development.
April 2, 2024
Partial Schengen Integration of Romania and Bulgaria
A first step towards the full integration of Romania and Bulgaria into the European Schengen area has been completed. With the abolition of entry controls on air and sea travel for citizens of these countries, known as "Schengen-Air", an intermediate path was found between Romania's and Bulgaria's aspirations towards integration and Austria's veto stance.
April 2, 2024
Focus on Closer Cooperation and EU Enlargement: C5 Foreign Ministers Meet in Ljubljana
The foreign ministers of the so-called Central 5 Group (C5) - consisting of Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, and Slovakia - met in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, for a landmark meeting. This meeting marks another significant step in Central European diplomatic cooperation, which goes beyond mere neighborly assistance and focuses on the region's key challenges and opportunities.
March 26, 2024
Christoph Leitl Re-elected President of the European Movement Austria
Christoph Leitl has been re-elected President of the European Movement Austria (EBÖ). With a view to the upcoming European elections on 9 June and the forthcoming appointment of the new EU Commission in the autumn, Leitl emphasizes the importance of the EU as a peace project and the need to find European answers to current issues.
March 25, 2024
Trade Seminar in Vienna on the Latest Regulatory Developments in the UAE
Diplomacy, business, and finance representatives gathered in Vienna for a seminar dedicated to the latest regulatory developments in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Organized by the Embassy of the UAE in cooperation with Crowe UAE and the Austrian Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC), the seminar provided a platform for an exchange on innovations in tax, corporate, and immigration law in the UAE. The event received special support through the participation of experts from the UAE Ministry of Finance and the Austrian Chamber of Commerce.
March 24, 2024
Francophonie Forum in Vienna: A Bridge Between Culture, Business and Sport
An event took place in Vienna that underlined the cultural and economic importance of the Francophonie. The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), in close cooperation with the French Embassy in Austria and the French-Austrian Chamber of Commerce (CCFA), organized the forum "L'industrie du sport parle français" ("The sports industry speaks French").
March 21, 2024
Harmony and Dialogue at the Interreligious Iftar in Vienna
In an impressive demonstration of unity, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and the President of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ), Ümit Vural, hosted an unprecedented interfaith iftar. The event, which took place in the historic Palais Niederösterreich, brought together representatives of different religious communities and personalities from politics, science, and diplomacy.
March 20, 2024
Small Unrest During EU Parliament President Metsola's Visit to Vienna
The Austrian capital was the scene of a heated appearance by EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola. During a public event at the Law Faculty of the University of Vienna, which was held under the motto "Ask President Metsola", there were loud protests and interruptions by demonstrators. The discussion, which was originally supposed to cover topics such as the future of the EU, the upcoming European elections, and international political affairs, lost focus when the Middle East conflict came up.
March 20, 2024
Europe at Crossroads: Austria's Push for Bosnia's EU Accession Negotiations
In a new phase of European integration and geopolitical strategy, attention is turning to the Western Balkans, particularly Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the heart of these discussions is Austria's committed plea for the opening of accession negotiations with Bosnia, a move that has the potential to shape Europe's political landscape in the long term.
March 19, 2024
Deepening Austrian-Kazakh Relations: Focus on Economic and Political Cooperation
At a time characterized by geopolitical tensions and economic challenges, Austria and Kazakhstan have reaffirmed their intention to raise bilateral relations to a new level. The working visit of Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu to Vienna marks an important milestone in the cooperation between the two countries, with a particular focus on the economy, politics, and security.
March 18, 2024
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Vienna: Commitment to Global Challenges
At a time of global uncertainty and increasing challenges, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken's visit to Vienna sent a strong message of international cooperation and diplomatic dialog. During his stay in the Austrian capital, Blinken tackled several key issues ranging from the fight against synthetic drugs to nuclear security and continued support for Ukraine.
March 17, 2024
Austria Expels Two Russian Diplomats and Austrian Ambassador in Moscow is Summoned
After Austria recently declared two Russian diplomats undesirable persons, Russia is now summoning Austria's ambassador to the Foreign Ministry. This indicates a serious deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two countries. So far, a total of eleven Russian diplomats have been expelled from Austria since 2020
March 14, 2024
European Gas Conference in Vienna Postponed due to Protests
The European Gas Conference planned for March 26-28 in Vienna is no longer on the international energy industry's calendar. Security concerns caused by announced protests forced the organizers to postpone the event indefinitely.
March 14, 2024
Cyprus Concludes Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation
The final session of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) was chaired by Cyprus. Cyprus' engagement in the OSCE FSC impressively illustrates the value of dialog and multilateral cooperation, even in the most difficult times.
March 13, 2024
Austria and Turkmenistan Sign Cooperation Agreement
In a step towards deepening their bilateral relations, Austria and Turkmenistan have signed a new cooperation agreement for the years 2024-2025. The meeting in Vienna between Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and his Turkmen counterpart Rashid Meredov focused on topics of mutual interest, including political-diplomatic cooperation, trade and economic relations, energy issues, and cultural exchanges.
March 12, 2024
Raiffeisen Bank International Under Observation by U.S. Sanctions Authorities
Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), a prominent financial institution based in Austria, is the focus of the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) due to its ongoing business relationship with Russia. OFAC has contacted the bank to request details of its transactions and processes related to Russia.
March 11, 2024
Austria President Van der Bellen Opens New Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam
The National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam was opened in a festive ceremony that was overshadowed by protests. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, who represented Austria on this occasion, emphasized his country's profound responsibility in the context of the dark chapters of the Holocaust.
March 11, 2024
U.S. Ambassador Kennedy Will Lead Austrian Delegation to Major Investment Summit in the U.S.
In a major announcement from the US Embassy in Vienna, it has been revealed that US Ambassador Victoria Kennedy will lead a high-profile Austrian delegation to this year's SelectUSA Investment Summit. The event, which will take place from June 23-26, 2024 at the prestigious Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, is considered a key platform for promoting foreign direct investment in the United States.
March 10, 2024
Six Decades in the Service of Peace: Austria Celebrates 60 Years of UNFICYP Deployment in Cyprus
Austria's involvement in the "United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus" (UNFICYP) marks an important anniversary this year: the Alpine Republic has been supporting the peacekeeping mission on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus for sixty years. A look back at the beginnings in April 1964 shows the deployment of a field hospital with 55 men following the unanimous adoption of Resolution 186 by the UN Security Council in March of the same year.
March 10, 2024
Meet Cyprus Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna
Andreas Ignatiou, Cyprus Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, and the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Andreas Ignatiou, the permanent representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.
March 7, 2024
Future of EU Enlargement Discussed in Vienna: Unified Vision Required
An event in Vienna, organized by the ERSTE Foundation in cooperation with the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), focused on the debate about the future of EU enlargement. Under the title "Beyond Catch-27: How to make EU enlargement work?", leading experts from various fields gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating new member states into the European Union.
March 7, 2024
Austrian ÖVP Against EPP Election Program: Nuclear Energy, Schengen Enlargement and Unanimity Principle as Points of Contention
In the run-up to the upcoming EU elections, a conflict is emerging within the European People's Party (EPP), as the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) has announced that it will not support the EPP's election program.
March 6, 2024
Austria and Italy Chief Diplomats Visit Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Foreign Ministers of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg, and Italy, Antonio Tajani, undertook a joint trip to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, to support the country in its efforts to join the EU. This trip underlines the continued commitment of the European Union, in particular Austria and Italy, to the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU.
March 5, 2024
Austrian Diplomacy in Crossfire: Schallenberg's Journey Through the Middle East
In the shadow of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which reached a new level of escalation following the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2024, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg embarked on a significant diplomatic mission. His trip, which lasted three days, took him through Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, and finally Lebanon - all hotspots in a region marked by political tensions and humanitarian crises.
March 4, 2024
City of Vienna Warns of Nuclear Renaissance and Small Modular Reactors in Europe
In a recent statement, Vienna City Councillor for Climate Action Jürgen Czernohorszky, who is also Chairman of the Cities for Nuclear Free Europe (CNFE) initiative, is critical of Sweden's nuclear power plans, the situation, and the development of Small Modular Reactors in Europe.
March 4, 2024
Meet the New Permanent Representative of North Macedonia to the International Organizations in Vienna
Pajo Avirovic, North Macedonia's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Pajo Avirovic, the new permanent representative of the Republic of North Macedonia to the International Organizations in Vienna.
February 28, 2024
Vienna Hosts Meetings for Belarusian Opposition Leader
In a diplomatic engagement, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the Belarusian opposition leader, for a pivotal discussion in Vienna. This meeting, which took place within the framework of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, brought the key figure of the Belarusian opposition to Vienna to address the OSCE and the European Community under the symbolic presence of the Austrian and EU flags.
February 28, 2024
Two Years of War in Ukraine: Solidarity and demands for peace from the international community in Vienna
Two years after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the international community remains alarmed and united in its support for Ukraine. The ongoing violence against civilians, including children, and Russia's violation of international human rights norms have sparked concern and outrage around the world. The OSCE and international representatives have spoken out strongly, calling for an end to the war.
February 26, 2024
Increased Security Cooperation Between Austria and Romania
In a sign of solidarity and joint commitment to peace and security in Europe, Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner received her Romanian counterpart Angel Tîlvăr for bilateral talks in Vienna.
February 25, 2024
EU Strengthens Multilateral Diplomacy in Vienna Amid Global Challenges
In a move to bolster multilateral diplomacy and cooperation, the Ambassadors to the Political and Security Committee (PSC) of the Council of the European Union embarked on a significant visit to Vienna. This visit underscores the European Union's aspirations to strengthen its role in the global multilateral and security order, particularly at a time when the world is grappling with multiple crises.
February 22, 2024
Controversy Over FPÖ Candidacy for Yad Vashem Board Shakes Jewish Communities
The nomination of Wels Mayor Andreas Rabl of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) for a position on the board of the "Austrian Friends of Yad Vashem" has triggered a broad wave of outrage and criticism that reaches far beyond Austria's borders. Rabl's candidacy, known for his affiliation with a party that is often criticized for its extreme right-wing tendencies, was met with staunch opposition from renowned institutions and personalities.
February 22, 2024
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