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Read the latest headlines about diplomatic missions and international organizations in Vienna and Austria

Austrian Justice Minister Zadic Wants to Strengthen the International Criminal Court

EU justice ministers have met again in Brussels to discuss the legal consequences of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine. Austria's Justice Minister Alma Zadic wants to strengthen the International Court of Justice in the fight against war crimes in the Ukraine war.

March 12, 2023

Secretary-General Tieffenthal Participated in the European Ministers Council

A Council Meeting between all Development Ministers of the European Nations took place in Stockholm. Secretary-General Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal represented Austria in the meeting, where they discussed global healthcare and the rebuilding of Ukraine.

March 9, 2023

Challenges of the OSCE in Montenegro's Presidential Election

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) opened an election observation mission for the March 19 presidential elections in Montenegro. The OSCE mission taking place in the former Yugoslav republic of Montenegro faces a country that had problems with the legality of elections and the circumstances in which they are conducted, now in the shadow of the Ukraine war and after a turbulent past few months of political conflict between the ruling parties in the country.

March 9, 2023

Space Diplomacy: Petition to UN COPUOS by ESO and Astronomy Groups

In a paper submitted to the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), an international collaboration involving the European Southern Observatory (ESO) proposes a new Expert Group to protect dark and quiet skies.

March 8, 2023

French-Austrian Gallery of Pioneer Women in Sport

On the occasion of International Women's Day and the 500 days leading up to the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, the French Embassy in Austria has made a conscious decision to place March 2023 under the sign of female sports.

March 8, 2023

Foreign Minister Schallenberg Wants to Promote More Women in Foreign Politics

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg amidst International Woman’s Day said that he wants the equality of women and the protection of their rights to be a living priority in international politics.

March 7, 2023

Edtstadler Wants to Help Implement Project for a Safer Internet with the IGF

Austrian Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler and State Secretary Florian Tursky Discussed in a panel in Vienna the promotion of the “Global Digital Impact” by the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

March 7, 2023

A Historic Agreement Was Reached After Years of Talks to Protect the World's Oceans

After more than a decade of talks, the UN member states have agreed on a treaty to protect the oceans beyond state jurisdiction better. Climate organizations praised the treaty.

March 5, 2023

City of Vienna: Europe's Nuclear Energy Sector is Heavily Dependent on Russia

The European Union's recently adopted tenth package of sanctions against Russia continues to leave one area completely untouched - nuclear energy. A new study by the Cities for Nuclear Free Europe network, where Vienna is also involved, aims to prove interconnections between the European and Russian nuclear sectors.

March 5, 2023

IAEA Confirms Traces of Highly Enriched Uranium in Iran

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found particles of very highly enriched uranium in Iran. As the Director-General of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, officially confirmed for the first time, the uranium had a purity level of 83.7 percent. The value is not far from 90 percent, which would be necessary for nuclear weapons.

March 2, 2023

Zaporizhzhya Power Plant Under Attack Says IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported attacks at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. Several Detonations were heard near the power plant, which is worrying the Agency.

March 1, 2023

Ex-OMV Chief Doubts Policy Statements on Russian Gas Pullout

Russian gas supplies to Austria are currently causing discussions. While the Austrian government wants to do without gas supplies from Russia altogether by 2027, OMV refers to long-term contracts.

March 1, 2023

Great Success for Austria in the Marie Skłodowska Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship Call 2022

Austrian institutions participated in this call for proposals with 150 project applications in a coordinating role and were able to win at least 37 of these projects in an extremely competitive selection process. This makes the Austrian success rate the highest of all EU member states.

February 28, 2023

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Guatemala to the International Organizations in Vienna

Jorge Skinner-Klée Arenales, Guatemala's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Jorge Skinner-Klée Arenales, the new permanent representative of Guatemala to the International Organizations in Vienna.

February 28, 2023

Romanian Delegation Searching for a Solution in Vienna

A Romanian delegation has arrived in Vienna to search for the solution for Austria’s Schengen Veto Block. Part of the delegation was also Romania’s ex Foreign Minister Titus Corlățean.

February 27, 2023

The Mayor of Vienna Welcomed the Mayor of Morocco’s Capital

The Mayor of the City of Vienna Michael Ludwig received his counterpart from Morocco Asmaa Rhlalou, who has been the Mayor of Rabat since 2021. Also today, Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Interior Minister Gerhard Karner visited Morocco.

February 27, 2023

Representation of the European Commission in Vienna Organized Event “Solidarity and Justice for Ukraine”

The European Commission organized the event "Solidarity and Justice for Ukraine" at the House of the EU in Vienna on the anniversary of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It was attended by a large number of diplomatic, academic and political participants, who reaffirmed support for Ukraine at all levels and discussed ways to punish Russian atrocities.

February 27, 2023

Diplomats in Vienna Express Solidarity with Ukraine

The various and numerous embassies as well as foreign missions in Vienna expressed their solidarity with war-torn Ukraine on the anniversary of the Russian invasion. Especially the embassies that condemn Russia for the war, demand that Russia finally withdraws its troops from Ukraine.

February 27, 2023

More than 40 Incidents at Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plants since the Beginning of the War

Since the war in Ukraine began a year ago, the country's nuclear power plants have been affected by more than 40 incidents. Nuclear security in Ukraine is still at a worrying risk. This is according to a report published by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.

February 24, 2023

Minister Edtstadler Wants to Maintain Unity in the European Union

Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler said that the European Union must maintain unity despite the economy and the Russian aggression in Ukraine.

February 24, 2023

Secretary General of the Austrian Foreign Ministry Shows Solidarity With Ukraine at UN General Assembly

Secretary General of the Austrian Foreign Ministry Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal held a speech at the UN General Assembly in New York promoting peace and condemning the violation of human rights.

February 23, 2023

AACC Receives a Delegation from the Council of Slovak Exporters

Following an initiative from the Council of Slovak Exporters, AACC Secretary-General Mouddar Khouja hosted the Council of Slovak Exporters' Chairman and Vice Chairman during a visit to AACC's Vienna.

February 23, 2023

Austrian Foreign Ministry Invited to "50 Years of Austria Culture International"

On the occasion of "50 Years of Austria Culture International", Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg hosted a reception with artists and representatives of the media and cultural institutions.

February 23, 2023

Romania’s Foreign Minister Not Satisfied with Austria’s Schengen Veto

Romania’s Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu has expressed his dissatisfaction about Austria’s Schengen block in the Austrian newspaper “Die Presse”. He said that the Veto was “unjust, unexpected, and unannounced”.

February 22, 2023

Another Austrian Chancellor's Trip to Putin is no Taboo for Foreign Minister Schallenberg

After Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer made a trip to Vladimir Putin shortly after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a renewed trip to the Russian ruler after a year of the war is again under discussion. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg does not rule out another trip to Moscow by Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

February 22, 2023

Essl Foundation and UN in Vienna Mark 10 Years of Partnership

In 2013, the UN Office at Vienna (UNOV), the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Essl Foundation formed a partnership to achieve the UN's commitment to building a better world for people with disabilities. A partnership of 10 years between the United Nations in Vienna and the Essl Foundation has resulted in significant achievements for disability inclusion.

February 21, 2023

Austrian Citizen Sentenced to Seven and a Half Years Prison in Iran

An Austrian citizen was sentenced to seven and a half years in Iran for alleged espionage against the Iranian government. This was the third case of allegations of this kind against Austrian citizens.

February 21, 2023

Minister Edtstadler Defends Visa Exemptions for Russians

Austrian Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler has defended Austria’s decision to grant visas to the Russian Delegation amidst the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly.

February 21, 2023

Journalists' Associations Against Exclusion of Media at OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

In response to plans by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) that media representatives would not be permitted to attend the winter session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (PA) at the Hofburg in Vienna, the Association of European Journalists (AEJ) and the Association of Foreign Press in Vienna objected.

February 20, 2023

Who Were the Four Expelled Austrian Diplomats in Moscow?

The expulsion of the Austrian diplomats, who must leave Russia, will lead to a significant reduction in embassy staff. But what positions did the diplomats hold?

February 20, 2023

Chancellor Nehammer Discussed Migration Issues With the Spanish Prime Minister in Vienna

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Vienna. He mentioned the Spanish expertise in terms of external border control. On the same day, he also met with the Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo.

February 20, 2023

Finnish Prime Minister Marin Visited Vienna

The Finnish head of government Sanna Marin visited Vienna for the first time for working talks and was received by Chancellor Karl Nehammer and President Alexander Van der Bellen. Finland and Austria share enough interests, but not the status of neutrality.

February 20, 2023

Minister Schallenberg Promoted Dialogue at Munich Security Conference

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg attended the 59th Munich Security Conference. He met with several counterparts and he emphasized the importance of communication in these difficult times.

February 19, 2023

Raiffeisen Probed by U.S. Sanctions Authority

Raiffeisen Bank International, an Austrian lender that plays a critical role in the Russian economy, is under investigation by the US sanctions authority over its Russia-related business.

February 18, 2023

Ukraine Wants to Boycott OSCE-Meeting Because of Russian Delegation

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is not going through its best times. Especially Austria’s role in it. After many countries sent an open letter to Austria to disinvite the Russian delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly, countries are now boycotting the meeting.

February 16, 2023

New Year’s Reception for the Diplomatic Corps at Austrian Presidential Chancellory

Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen hosted the New Year's reception for the Diplomatic Corps in the Ceremonial Hall of the Vienna Hofburg. Van der Bellen used his speech to clarify Austria's diplomatic goals and Austrian Neutrality.

February 16, 2023

Austrian Security Policy Handbook Presented in Japan

To increase knowledge of the European Union's Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) and thus lay the groundwork for cooperation, the Austrian Common Security and Defense Policy Handbook was translated into several Asian languages. This handbook has now been presented in Japan.

February 15, 2023

OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani Visits Moldova

The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairman-in-Office and Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani visited Moldova. The country needs the support of the OSCE as it could be next on Russia’s list after Ukraine.

February 14, 2023

Japanese Embassy in Vienna Organized Reception On the Occasion of the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor

A reception was held at the Ambassador's Residence on the occasion of His Majesty the Emperor's birthday. This was the first national holiday reception in three years after the Corona-related cancellation. About 250 guests attended, among them former Austrian President Dr. Heinz Fischer as the guest of honor. Additionally, it was exciting for diplomacy that Ambassador Ryuta used his speech at the reception to outline Japan's foreign policy goals.

February 14, 2023

Russian Ambassador Lyubinsky Criticized Austria

Russia's Ambassador to Vienna Dmitry Lyubinsky detects an erosion of Austria's neutrality status and sees a "huge minus sign" in front of Russian-Austrian relations. However, Lyubinsky also spoke of maintaining contacts with influential people in Austria.

February 13, 2023

AACC and Vienna Economic Forum Signed a Memorandum of Understanding

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) and the Vienna Economic Forum (VEF) to enhance mutual relations and strengthen cooperation.

February 13, 2023

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken Received Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg

Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in Washington, D.C., as a sign of the strong transatlantic partnership. In the first bilateral meeting between the two foreign ministers, the two discussed cooperation on the Russo-Ukrainian war, the Western Balkans, the expansion of Austria's Strategic Partnership with the United States, and the Turkish earthquake disaster.

February 12, 2023

Federal Police Director Emphasizes Importance of EU External Border Protection

Austrian Federal Police Director Michael Takács took part in the “Effective Management of EU Borders” conference in Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia. The conference had two central themes: protecting EU external borders and combating smuggling.

February 12, 2023

Chancellor Nehammer Emphasizes Migration Subject in the EU

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer at the EU summit has called for more financing for EU border protection. He also called for more control on irregular migration at EU level.

February 9, 2023

Embassy of Iran Organized a Reception for the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran

On the occasion of the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Abbas Bagherpour Ardekani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Austria and Slovakia, together with H.E. Mohsen Naziri Asl, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Vienna, hosted a reception at the Ambassador's Residence in Vienna.

February 9, 2023

Austria's Vice-Chancellor and Sports Minister Kogler Against Russia's and Belarus's Participation in the 2024 Olympics

Unlike the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Austrian Olympic Committee (ÖOC), Austria's Vice Chancellor and Sports Minister Werner Kogler is strictly against Russia's and Belarus's participation in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. According to Kogler, "it is simply unacceptable for Ukrainian athletes to compete against Russian and Belarusian athletes in the fight for medals."

February 9, 2023

Austria Obligated to Grant Visas Says OSCE

The Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) has decided in a parliament assembly that Austria must grant visas to all visiting member states, including Russia. The visas for the Russian Delegation have caused quite some controversy in the last week however, the visa issues seem to be settled.

February 8, 2023

Chancellor Nehammer Threatens to Block Summit Declaration Because of Migration Issues

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has threatens to block a summit declaration of all EU heads of state. The reason for this is that the Chancellor is opinionated that the EU does not put enough work into the issue of migration.

February 8, 2023

Education Minister Polaschek Visited Sweden

Education Minister Martin Polaschek emphasized the importance of science on his visit to Sweden. He especially praised Swedish society for having such a high trust in science and is seeking some Swedish strategies to take them to Austria.

February 7, 2023

Austria Supports Earthquake Victims in Turkish-Syrian Border Area

The devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria left devastation and over 6000 people dead. The search for survivors in the rubble continues, among other things with numerous international aid. Austria is also sending aid with 82 soldiers and 3 million euros from the Foreign Disaster Fund (AKF) for relief organizations. NGOs in Vienna, meanwhile, are asking for monetary donations.

February 7, 2023