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Vienna Diplomatic News | ViennaDiplomacy | Cultural Diplomacy
Read the latest headlines about diplomatic missions and international organizations in Vienna and Austria
Ukrainian Ambassador Khymynets Thanks Austrian Communities for Hosting Refugees
Ukrainian Ambassador Khymynets thanked Austrian communities for hosting refugees from Ukraine. Close cooperation between Austrian and Ukrainian communities is planned.
April 14, 2022
IAEA Supports Radiation Protection in Medical Procedures
The IAEA supports efforts and is raising awareness of radiation protection in medical procedures. The benefits of nuclear technology enable great technological advances.
April 13, 2022
U.S. and UK Sanction Individuals in the Balkans
The Balkan states are plagued by corruption, which only fosters an unstable situation. The Balkans are important for the stability of Europe and especially in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Balkans remain important for the West. That is why the U.S. and UK have sanctioned individuals.
April 13, 2022
OSCE Troika Expressed Strong Support to Ukraine and Urges Russia to Stop its Invasion
Numerous states and organizations condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine. The OSCE Troika met with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister and calls on Russia to halt its military aggression against Ukraine.
April 12, 2022
International Day of Human Space Flight: The Importance of Space
Today is the International Day of Human Space Flight. This day celebrates each year the beginning of the space era for mankind. Space travel and space could help humanity tame the challenges ahead. Read more about this day.
April 12, 2022
Nehammer's Résumé After Kremlin Visit: "Even the Smallest Success Counts When it Comes to Peace"
Karl Nehammer's controversial visit to Russian President Putin is over. Now the Austrian chancellor commented on the open conversation and explained his motives for the visit. Although the meeting will not have any direct consequences, Nehammer is nevertheless satisfied with his move and takes positive stock of the situation.
April 12, 2022
Vienna Presents Itself as a Bridge Builder: Austrian Chancellor to Meet Putin in Moscow
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will meet Russian President Putin in Moscow for talks. It will be the first meeting of an EU head of government with Putin since the beginning of the war. After the recent expulsion of four Russian diplomats and in view of the current stalemate a daring but diplomatically sensible step.
April 10, 2022
IAEA on the Status of Ukraine's Nuclear Safety
The war in Ukraine threatens the country's nuclear security. Nuclear facilities are becoming the sites of battles with Russian forces. Even as Russian forces reorganize, the IAEA continues to express concern.
April 8, 2022
How the Kremlin Exploits Its Diplomatic Missions in Vienna to Spread Russian Propaganda
Since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has used its diplomatic missions in Vienna and around the world to help spread propaganda and disinformation about the war. Read about this propaganda effort and view some blatant examples of Russian propaganda from the diplomatic missions.
April 6, 2022 · Updated: April 8, 2022; 15:46
G7 and OSCE Condemn Russian Aggression Against Ukraine
Since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, many countries are enraged by Putin's actions. The Russian Aggression against Ukraine is ravaging the country. The G7 members strongly condemn Russia's actions. The OSCE expressed its concerns on many issues too.
April 7, 2022
Expulsion: Austria Declares Four Russian Diplomats as "Personae Non Gratae"
Now Austria is joining the trend of European sanctions against Russian diplomats, expelling three members of the Russian Embassy in Vienna and one member of the Russian Consulate General in Salzburg.
April 7, 2022
State Visit of the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins to Austria
The Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen received the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, for an official visit to Austria. The main topics of discussion are the Russian aggression in Ukraine and European security policy.
April 6, 2022
Europe's Energy Dilemma Requiring Austria and Germany to Rethink in Wake of Russian Aggression
Due to the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Europe has to face new questions about energy policy, which had been known for many years but were largely ignored and deferred. The much-discussed gas embargo in recent weeks is to further intensify the sanctions against Russia and its economy. Read more about the current situation.
April 6, 2022
Russian Ambassador in Vienna Denies Massacre and Reaffirms Kremlin Propaganda
The Russian Ambassador to Austria, Dmitry Lyubinsky (57), has attracted attention in connection with allegations and statements regarding war crimes in Ukraine that are in abrupt contradiction to the realities as currently captured by the "Western" side. Among other things, His Excellency claimed that "Ukrainians are blowing up their own hospitals." Following the, within a few weeks, fourth summons to the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador only let it be known that "for my part, I have categorically rejected all unfounded accusations against the actions of the Russian armed forces and especially against the Russian government."
April 5, 2022
Russian Mission to the OSCE Blocks Ukraine Mandate for OSCE Observers
Russia has blocked the extension of the mandate for the international OSCE observers in Ukraine. The Russian Invasion of Ukraine has decisively changed the situation for the observers there.
April 5, 2022
Iran Blames U.S. for Stalemate in Vienna Nuclear Talks
The Islamic Republic of Iran blames the U.S. for a stalemate in the renewed JCPOA talks in Vienna. Iran accuses the demands of the U.S. as extravagant and exaggerated.
April 5, 2022
How the Austrian Development Agency Assists in Post-Soviet Conflicts in the South Caucasus
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the South Caucasus states of Armenia and Georgia have been searching for a new political and social identity. The trend goes in the direction of Europe. The EU and Austria are standing by with support.
April 4, 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
Security in the Western Balkans: North Macedonia's EU Accession as Stronghold against Putin's Aggression
North Macedonia is one of the prospective countries to enter the European Union. Austrian Minister of European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler visited the country and met with Head of Government Dimitar Kovačevski for talks.
April 1, 2022
U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Iran’s Ballistic Missile-Related Activities
The U.S. imposed sanctions on individuals and entities in Iran, accusing them of supporting Iran's ballistic missile program after suspected Iranian-backed proxies carried out missile attacks on Arab targets in the region.
March 31, 2022
Effects of the Ukraine War and Perspectives for the Western Balkans from an Austrian Perspective
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many European countries have been asking themselves security questions related to the immediate neighborhood of the European Union. For Austria, the main question is about its southern neighbors, the Western Balkans.
March 31, 2022
IAEA Director Traveled to Ukraine Regarding Nuclear Safety
Ukraine is ravaged by war and the Russian Invasion threatens due to the fighting the nuclear safety in the eastern European country. IAEA Director-General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, traveled to Ukraine for talks with senior government officials on the planned assistance by IAEA to ensure the safety and security of the country’s nuclear facilities.
March 31, 2022
Explained: Why We Need Space Diplomacy as a Foreign Policy Tool to Keep Outer Space Safe, Secure and Sustainable
The race for space supremacy, which first began as a competition between the rivals of the First Cold War - the United States and the Soviet Union - and which is now continuing in the Second Cold War between Russia, the United States, China and smaller emerging powers, is intensifying.
March 30, 2022
Space Diplomacy: The Annual Session of the COPUOS Legal Subcommittee
Space is an important future avenue for exploration, research, and commerce. This makes it all the more important for the nations of the world to negotiate these unlimited possibilities and to work out cooperation through diplomatic channels. One of them is the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) of the United Nations Office on Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). The COPUOS organizes a Legal Subcommittee which is held this week.
March 30, 2022
NATO and EU Military Committee Meet Regarding Western Balkans
A joint meeting of the NATO Military Committee and the European Union Military Committee was held to discuss the current security situation in the Western Balkans as well as the EU's ongoing Operation Althea. In the context of the Russian military aggression on Ukraine, stability in the Balkans increases in importance.
March 29, 2022
UNODC and OSCE Support Efforts Against Human Trafficking of Refugees in Ukraine
The Russian Invasion of Ukraine caused a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Many Ukrainians are fleeing the country and are becoming refugees in their neighboring countries. UNODC and OSCE recently showed concern about Human Trafficking and that Ukrainian refugees could become targets of traffickers.
March 29, 2022
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Ukrainian Embassy Building in Vienna
The Ukrainian Embassy in Vienna has a long and mixed history. In this article you will learn where it is located, who runs it, how it has developed over time and much more. Read on.
March 29, 2022
After Diplomatic Tensions Between Turkey and Austria New Start for Archaeological Excavations in Ephesus
Due to the talks between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, as well as between Foreign Ministers Alexander Schallenberg and Mevlüt Cavusoğlu, a new start for archaeological excavations Ephesos could be achieved.
March 28, 2022
Nehammer at EU Summit: Russia Sanctions and Western Balkans Support
The EU summit, which was also attended by U.S. President Joe Biden, focused on the political crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Austrian chancellor Karl Nehammer attended the European Council too and expressed the importance of stability in the Balkans. Read about the European Council and the chancellor's visit to Brussels.
March 28, 2022
Burglar in U.S. Residence in Vienna-Döbling Convicted
In the summer of 2021, a thief stole a 400-year-old tapestry from the residence of the U.S. Embassy in Vienna's Döbling district. The thief was sentenced to one year conditional.
March 28, 2022
IAEA and the Nuclear Safety in Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine raises issues about nuclear safety. After several wildfires around the Chernobyl nuclear ruins, possible shelling by Russian forces in the vicinity is now leading to new concerns about the safety of the infamous nuclear power plant. The IAEA expressed its concerns and demands for an agreed framework to provide assistance.
March 25, 2022
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Albania to the International Organizations in Vienna
Eglantina Gjermeni, Albania's new permanent representative, presented her credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Ambassador Gjermeni is an experienced politician and has already served as a minister in her country. Meet Ambassador Eglantina Gjermeni, the new permanent Permanent Representative of Albania to the International Organizations in Vienna.
March 25, 2022
U.S. Ambassador to OSCE Urges Kremlin to "end it now, save the lives of your own soldiers"
The U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE Michael Carpenter urges the Kremlin to end the senseless war in Ukraine and condemned the aggressive tactics of Russia's armed forces in Ukraine.
March 24, 2022
U.S. Ambassador Vicki Kennedy Received at AmCham Austria Welcome Gala Dinner
New U.S. Ambassador Victoria R. Kennedy recently attended an event organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Austria (AmCham Austria), where she spoke about transatlantic trade relations and the Ukraine conflict. Read on to learn more about the event and its participants.
March 24, 2022
The Impact of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine on the Nuclear Talks in Vienna
In the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine new issues emerged in the negotiations for the revival of the JCPOA in Vienna. For the West and Iran, it is important to re-establish the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, despite Russia's diversionary tactics.
March 24, 2022
OSCE Condemns Russian Aggression on Mariupol and Ukraine
The OSCE Chairman-in-Office Zbigniew Rau and Secretary-General Helga Maria Schmid condemned the ongoing violence that Russian forces committed in Ukraine and the city of Mariupol. Meanwhile Russia's ambassador to the United Nations has denied that Russia was involved in the attack on a theatre in besieged Mariupol.
March 23, 2022
Neutrality: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy May Now Be Able to Address the Austrian National Council After All
The ongoing debate on Austrian neutrality will maybe allow Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to speak to Austrian parliamentarians.
March 23, 2022
Canada and Austria: Current State of Political and Trade Relations
Relations between Canada and Austria continue to develop. A brief analysis of economic, academic and political relations.
March 23, 2022
Belgian Heads of State Welcomed Austrian President and First Lady
Alexander Van der Bellen is currently on a state visit to Belgium. Besides a reception with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde the program included talks on the war in Ukraine and high energy prices with senior Belgian politicians and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
March 23, 2022
The Ukraine Invasion and India: Schallenberg in New Delhi
Foreign Minister Schallenberg visited India to hold talks in the capital New Delhi. In addition to other regional and international security policy topics of discussion, the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine will be the main topic.
March 21, 2022
Western Balkans Trip for New Momentum against Destabilization by Russia and China
The Balkans were plagued by war 30 years ago. When Yugoslavia collapsed, the first war in Europe after World War II occurred. A policy of stability in this region is particularly important, especially in the backdrop of the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. Recently Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer as well as many other European politicians have traveled to the Balkan states to talk to the most important politicians and dignitaries. The EU and the U.S. have long been the central players in the Western Balkans and want to counter Russia's and China's influence in the region.
March 18, 2022
Cultural Diplomacy: Year of Literature to Improve International Networking of Austrian Authors
Cultural diplomacy reveals the soul of a nation and does play an important role. The Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs is launching the International Year of Literature to promote dialogue projects with Austrian authors abroad and thus position them more internationally.
March 18, 2022
Austrian Parliamentary Delegation Visits India, which Maintains a Special Strategic Partnership with Russia
India received an Austrian delegation to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. Among other things, the delegation discussed the conflict in Ukraine and the hesitant attitude of the Indian government, which has so far not openly opposed the Kremlin.
March 17, 2022
IAEA Staff Association Ball 2023: The History of the UN Ball in Vienna

Vienna's history has one special sort of cultural event season every year. One important ball for the international community is the IAEA Staff Association Ball, which has become an integral part of Vienna's traditional ball calendar. The next IAEA Staff Association Ball will take place on the 11 of February 2023.
March 17, 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
Meet the New Ambassadors of the UAE, North Macedonia, Libya, Indonesia, Peru and Laos to Austria
The new Ambassadors of the United Arab Emirates (H.E. Mr. Hamad Ali Mohammed Subaih Alkaabi), North Macedonia (H.E. Mr. Osvit Rosoklija), Libya (H.E. Mr. Osama Abduljalil Ahmed Abdulhadi), Indonesia (H.E. Mr. Damos Dumoli Agusman), Peru (H.E. Mr. Luis Alberto Campana Boluarte), and Laos (H.E. Mr. Khonepheng Thammavong) to Austria presented their credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about these new ambassadors.
March 16, 2022
Space Diplomacy: UNOOSA and EUSPA Sign Agreement on Cooperation
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) to support United Nations Member States.
March 15, 2022
Meet Chad Blackman, the New Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Barbados to the International Organizations in Vienna
The Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations in Vienna, Chad Blackman, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly. In addition to being the Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations in Vienna, Mr. Blackman is serving as the Permanent Representative of Barbados to the WTO and UN Offices at Geneva and as the Ambassador of Barbados to Austria and Serbia. Learn more about Ambassador Blackman.
March 15, 2022
Olaf Scholz Met Van der Bellen: "One Must Remain in Dialogue with Putin"
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Austrian President Van der Bellen exchanged views on bilateral and European policy issues and the Russian attack on Ukraine.
March 14, 2022
