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

International Visitor Leadership Program Celebrates 80th Anniversary

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program, celebrates its 80th anniversary. The program has opened doors for more than 225,000 participants from all over the globe and has connected current and emerging leaders to US culture and society.

December 9, 2020

Schallenberg Wants to Work Shoulder to Shoulder with United States

At the Foreign Affairs Council of the EU in Brussels the Foreign Ministers discussed transatlantic relations, the continuing tensions with Turkey and current trouble spots such as Ethiopia and Belarus. Austria's Minister Schallenberg hopes for improved relations between the United States and the EU in the near future.

December 7, 2020

Schallenberg Honors Outstanding Intercultural Projects

Austria's Foreign Ministry honored international intercultural projects in the categories of sustainability, current events, innovation, media, and integration. The prizes went to organizations from France, Kosovo, Indonesia, Poland and Austria, which all played a significant role in impacting communities in the respective countries.

November 30, 2020

Hong Kong Economist: How China Will Implement the National Security Law

Insightful conversation about the current economic crisis in Hong Kong, which was triggered by the National Security Law and the Coronavirus, which was conducted between the Austrian diplomat and former ambassador in Beijing, Irene Giner Reichl and the Hong Kong Economist and Lecturer at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chi Lo.

November 20, 2020

The Netherlands Gift 10,000 Tulips to Vienna

After the terror attack in Vienna on November 2, the Dutch government represented by the Dutch Ambassador to Austria Gierveld gifted the City of Vienna 10,000 tulips which will be planted near the location of the attack and at other public gardens of Vienna.

November 19, 2020

Lavrov and Schallenberg: Support for Nagorno-Karabakh

In a telephone call, Lavrov and Schallenberg, the Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation and Austria, respectively, have assured their countries' support for the people in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The Austrian government has, furthermore, decided to make funds from the Foreign Disaster Fund available.

November 18, 2020

Ambassador Turner Met Governor of Carinthia

British Ambassador to Austria met Carinthia's Governor Kaiser to discuss the current Covid-19 situation in Austria and also the Brexit negotiations that are in the decisive stage. Turner hopes that the registration of British citizens following the Brexit will be easy and unbureaucratic.

November 12, 2020

Commemoration of the November Progrom: Israel, Germany and Austria Promote Peace

To commemorate the November pogrom on November 9, 1938, Federal President Van der Bellen, together with his Israeli and German counterparts, sent a memorial message. Together they want to fight against anti-Semitism and promote peace and security for Jewish communities.

November 10, 2020

US Election: Schallenberg Looks Forward to Continuing Partnership With US

After the US Election, Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg wants to continue the good cooperation with the new administration but also emphasizes the importance of having a strong European community that does not need to rely on the US or any other partners.

November 9, 2020

Conference of Frugal Four and Finland Was Hosted by Austria

The Foreign Ministers of Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands and Finland came to Vienna to meet with Austria's Minister for European Affiars Edtstadler. On the agenda was the issuance of a joint statement in which they Ministers condemn the recent terror attack in Vienna and other topics regarding the cooperation of the five countries.

November 5, 2020

Dutch Foreign Minister in Vienna

The Dutch Foreign Minister Blok visits his Austrian counterpart Schallenberg to discuss EU's foreign and security policy, the fight against terrorism, and other current foreign relations issues. The Dutch politician also offered his condolences after the terror attack in Vienna,

November 5, 2020

Macron Was to Visit Austria, Now Only Virtual Meeting With Kurz

The French President Macron had planned to travel to Austria to meet with Sebastian Kurz. However, due to the Covid-19 measures in place, the two politicians will only meet virtually. After the recent terror attack in Vienna as well as in Nice, the topic of discussion will be the fight against Islamist terrorism. A common European approach is demanded and will also be discussed during the working meeting.

November 4, 2020

United Arab Emirates Strongly Condemns Terror Attack in Vienna

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Vienna is deeply moved by the Islamic motivated attack in Vienna and condemns the terrorist attack in a statement.

November 3, 2020

Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce Condemns Horrible Terrorist Attack in Vienna

The Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce, the economic representation of the Arab community in Austria, condemns and distances itself from this horrible terrorist attack in downtown Vienna and affirms that no wedge can be driven between our societies and cultures.

November 3, 2020

Charitable Actions of Austrian Embassies All Over the World

Austrian Embassies all over the world made an effort to celebrate the national holiday accordingly by supporting local charities and people who need it most. From Tel Aviv to Buenos Aires and from Washington to Zagreb, many embassies organized different types of aid projects for locals.

October 30, 2020

Áder Met Van der Bellen

The Hungarian President Áder visited his Austrian counterpart in Vienna to discuss the current fight against Covid-19. Although there would have been many other EU and bilateral topics to discuss, the prevailing matter is the rising infection numbers in Europe and the measures taken by the various governments.

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

First Descendants of Nazi Victims Apply for Austrian Citizenship

After the passing of an amendment that allows descendants of victims of National Socialism to obtain the Austrian Citizenship, the first applications have been received and welcomed by the Austrian Embassy in Washington, DC.

October 27, 2020

Italian Interior Minister Met Nehammer

Italian Interior Minister Lamorgese welcomed her Austrian counterpart Nehammer for a working meeting in Rome. The main discussion topics were the fight against organized crime and illegal trafficking as well as strengthening repatriation agreements with third countries.

October 27, 2020

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty: Schallenberg and Kurz Delighted

The 50th ratification of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty means that the treaty can enter into force. Both, Austrian Chancellor Kurz and Foreign Minister Schallenberg, are delighted about the progress made with regard to the nuclear disarmament, which Austria has been supporting vehemently.

October 27, 2020

French Ambassador Met Integration Minister: Unity Against Parallel Societies And Extremism

After the murder of a French teacher in Paris, French ambassador Pécout met Austria's Integration Minister Raab to discuss parallel societies and extremism. They both agreed on the importance of integration and the vehement and rigorous fight against extremism.

October 23, 2020

Agreement Between Israel and Austria on the Joint Use of Archival Materials

The agreement between the Israeli and Austrian governments to a joint use of archival materials is one step closer to be actually implemented. This cooperation would enhance the cooperation of the two countries with regard to the reappraisal of the Holocaust as well as to the fight against anti-Semitism.

October 16, 2020

Germany Extends Border Controls to Austria

Germany announced that it will extend the border controls on the German-Austrian border for another six months starting November 12 2020. These controls are in place since the end of 2015 and will not include any new or unexpected measures.

October 15, 2020

Canadian Foreign Minister Visits Austria

The Canadian Foreign Minister Champagne visited Austria to conduct meetings with UN Organizations as well as with Chancellor Kurz and Foreign Minister Schallenberg. The topics on the agenda were the CETA agreement, the Covid-19 pandemic and current foreign trouble spots.

October 15, 2020

100 Years Carinthian Referendum: Van der Bellen Apologizes to Carinthian Slovenes

During the 100 years anniversary of the Carinthian Referendum, Federal President Van der Bellen apologized to the Slovene minority in Carinthia for the bad treatment they had received in the past. He emphasized the importance of ethnic groups in Austria and hopes that these minorities will continue to exist.

October 12, 2020

EU Foreign Affairs Council: Schallenberg Warns of Second Iron Curtain

At this month's EU Foreign Affairs Council, current foreign issues, such as developments in Belarus, in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the relations with Russia, were on the agenda. Austria was represented by Foreign Minister Schallenberg.

October 12, 2020

Increase in Funding for Austria's Ethnic Groups

Ethnic groups in Austria will be receiving more funding due to a recent decision made by the Austrian government. The last increase dates back 25 years ago, which is why high-ranking politicians were in favor of supporting the ethnic groups even more.

October 9, 2020

Belarusian Opposition Leader Tikhanovskaya Met Schallenberg

The famous Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who is currently trying to win the EU and European politicians over to help her and her supporters fight against the recent fraudulent election result, met Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Vienna.

October 8, 2020

Slovenian President will join Van der Bellen for "100 Years Carinthian Referendum"

For the first time ever, a Slovenian President will take part in the ceremony for "100 Years Carinthian Referendum". Slovenian Head of State Pahor will be joining his Austrian counterpart Van der Bellen for the celebrations.

October 7, 2020

Swiss Twannberg Meteorite at Natural History Museum Vienna

On the occasion of the official visit of the Swiss President of the Council of States Hans Stöckli to Austria, a piece of the Twannberg meteorite was handed over to the Natural History Museum Vienna. The piece that is estimated to be more than 150,000 years old can now be viewed in the Meteorite Hall of the museum.

October 7, 2020

Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Met Austrian Counterpart

The Swedish and Austrian Minister for EU Affairs have come together to discuss current EU topics which included migration policy, the joint fight against Covid-19 and recent developments between Great Britain and the EU regarding Brexit.

October 7, 2020

European Council Decides on Sanctions Against Belarus

The European Council which was attended by the heads of the 27 member countries decided on sanctions against Belarus as well as a threat of sanctions against Turkey. Chancellor Kurz, Autria's representative at the Council, is satisfied with the two-day long discussions.

October 5, 2020

EU Special Summit Deals with Foreign Policy Issues

The EU government heads have come together to discuss foreign policy issues in Brussels. Chancellor Kurz is representing Austria at the meeting and has already met with Council President Michel, EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Borrell and Commission President von der Leyen.

October 1, 2020

Van der Bellen Welcomes New Ambassadors

Federal President Van der Bellen welcomes new ambassadors from eight different nations to Austria. The new ambassadors have already begun with their work.

September 30, 2020

UNESCO Honors Vienna with "Smart City" Award

The city of Vienna was recognized by UNESCO fo its "innovative, intelligent, networked and explicitly sustainable" housing policy. Besides Vienna, other cities, such as Shenzhen (China), Dakar (Senegal) and Singarpore, have received other awards.

September 30, 2020

International Discussion About Europe's Fundamental Values in Salzburg

Politicians from Hungary, Srpska, Albania, Slovakia and Austria came together in Salzburg to discuss the fundamental values of Europe. Democracy, inner-European cooperation and the fight against Covid-19 were only some of the main topics.

September 29, 2020

Absentee Voting Week for U.S. Elections

The U.S. Consulate in Vienna has issued a guideline for absentee voting in the upcoming U.S. elections. The elections will take place November 3rd, yet voter registration and ballot requests need to be completed as soon as possible due to different deadlines across states.

September 29, 2020

Game-changing Transformations, Following the Response to COVID-19

A side event sponsored by IIASA and ISC as part of the 75th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), attended among others by H.E. Ban Ki-moon and former President of Ireland H.E. Mary Robinson, addressed the game-changing measures that will help build a more resilient world and summarized key policy insights on how to move forward sustainably.

September 29, 2020

75th Anniversary of the UN: Schallenberg Addresses Member Countries

The 75th anniversary of the United Nations is used as a year of reflection for the UN member countries. Nevertheless, current topics and outlooks into the future are dominating the General Assembly at which Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg also delivered his virtual speech.

September 28, 2020

Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) Presents his Credentials

Abat Fayzullaev, the new Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), presented his credentials to the Director-General of UNOV, Ms. Ghada Waly.

September 25, 2020

Meet the New Ambassador of Iran to Austria: H.E. Mr. Abbas Bagherpour Ardakani

The new Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Austria and to Slovakia, H.E. Mr. Abbas Bagherpour Ardakani presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.

July 12, 2020 · Updated: September 25, 2020; 10:30

Ambassadors Traina and Turner at Austrian Media Days

US Ambassador Traina and British Ambassador Turner took part in a discussion about the world after corona at the Austrian News Days. Both recognized the rise of social media and its significant role in today's world.

September 24, 2020

Austrian Armed Forces Will Control Embassies

The Austrian Armed Forces will once again assist the Vienna State Police with the protection and surveillance of embassies. This will allow the executive forces to intensify their operations against Covid-19, while the Armed Forces will take over embassy protection.

September 23, 2020

Schallenberg at Council of EU Foreign Ministers

The EU Foreign Ministers met in Brussels to discuss current issues such as developments in Belarus and Libya. Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg demands a "strong signal" from the EU towards the Belarusian government.

September 22, 2020

Swiss President Welcomes Kurz

Swiss President Sommaruga and Austria's Chancellor Kurz met near Bern to discuss current topics related to the Covid-19 pandemic and the cooperation between the two countries. Kurz also met with CEOs of leading Swiss pharmaceutical companies to discuss the current vaccine developments.

September 21, 2020

Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) Presents her Credentials

Esther Monterrubio Villar, the new Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), presented her credentials to the Director-General of UNOV, Ms. Ghada Waly.

September 18, 2020

Ukrainian Foreign Minister in Vienna

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba visited his Austrian counterpart Schallenberg in Vienna to discuss the countries' cooperation in the fight against Covid-19 and economic relations. The conflict in eastern Ukraine and the developments in Belarus were also talked about.

September 17, 2020

New Permanent Representative of Egypt to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) Presents his Credentials

The new Permanent Representative of Egypt to the United Nations (Vienna), Mohamed H. El-Molla, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.

September 17, 2020

Zelensky Visits Austria

Ukrainian President Zelensky came to Austria to visit President Van der Bellen, Chancellor Kurz and President of the National Council Sobotka. The topics comprised the successful bilateral economic relations and regional conflicts in the Ukraine.

September 16, 2020

Foreign Ministers of Central Five Meet in Slovenia

The heads of diplomacy of Slovenia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Austria conducted a working meeting with the topics being the fight against a possible second wave of rising Covid-19 cases and other foreign affairs issues.

September 16, 2020