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Read the latest headlines about diplomatic missions and international organizations in Vienna and Austria
A Celebration of Nations for Children in Need: UNWG International Charity Bazaar a Great Success
The Austria Center Vienna (ACV) became a vibrant center of the world: the annual International Festival Charity Bazaar organized by the United Nations Women's Guild (UNWG) attracted countless visitors who directly supported charitable causes with their purchases. The one-day event, which traditionally offers free admission, proved once again that international community spirit and social commitment go hand in hand.
November 30, 2025
U.S. Ambassador Fisher Launches His Mission in Vienna: Diplomatic Talks and Focus on Transatlantic Partnership
The new United States Ambassador to Austria, Arthur “Art” Fisher, has held a series of important meetings during his first weeks in Vienna to reaffirm strong bilateral relations and discuss shared priorities. The North Carolina real estate entrepreneur described his new ambassadorial role as “the honor of his life.”
November 26, 2025
Austria and Italy Together With UNODC Urge Global Alliance Against Organized Crime
The threats posed by transnational organized crime are more complex, interconnected, and dangerous than ever before. In light of these developments, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Italian President Sergio Mattarella, together with Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), have called for renewed global solidarity.
November 26, 2025
EUSALP Annual Forum in Innsbruck Concludes With New Joint Action Plan
Cross-border cooperation in the Alpine region has reached a new milestone. At the General Assembly and Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) in Innsbruck, the new EUSALP Action Plan was adopted, setting out the strategy for the next ten years. At the same time, EUSALP, which brings together seven countries and 48 regions, celebrated its 10th anniversary and marked the end of the Austrian-Liechtenstein co-presidency in 2025.
November 26, 2025
Global Crisis: Every Ten Minutes, a Woman Is Killed by Her Partner or Family Member
For women and girls around the world, their own homes remain the most dangerous place: in 2024, an estimated 50,000 women and girls were killed by their (ex) partners or family members. This equates to one femicide—the killing of a woman because of her gender—roughly every ten minutes. These alarming figures were published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
November 25, 2025
OPEC and GECF Warn of Energy Crisis: Trillions in Investments in Oil and Gas Urgently Needed
At their Sixth High-Level Energy Dialogue in Vienna, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) issued an urgent appeal to the international community: in view of record-breaking growth in demand, massive and long-term investment in oil and gas production is essential. Without sufficient funding, there is a risk of a shortage in supply security.
November 23, 2025
Meinl-Reisinger Calls for a Defensible EU and Criticism of U.S. Peace Plan
During her meeting with EU counterparts in Brussels and on Austrian radio-televison, Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) called for a stronger, defensible, and geopolitically capable European Union.
November 23, 2025
India to Host Global AI Impact Summit 2026
India is positioning itself as a global pioneer in responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence (AI). The country will host the India–AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi on February 19 and 20, 2026. This is also being promoted by the Indian Embassy in Vienna.
November 20, 2025
New U.S. Ambassador Fisher Considers Austria an “Excellent Partner”
Immediately after he presented his credentials to the Federal President of Austria, the new Ambassador of the United States of America to Austria, Art Fisher, held his first official meeting with Austrian foreign policy representatives. He met with the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, and expressed his delight at the start of his term of office.
November 19, 2025
IAEA Urges Iran: Immediate Need for Action on Uranium Stocks Following Military Attacks
Iran is under increased pressure from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to provide complete transparency regarding its nuclear activities, and in particular its uranium stocks, following the military attacks in June.
November 19, 2025
Iran, China, and Russia Coordinate Ahead of IAEA Meeting
Ahead of the upcoming meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, the ambassadors of Iran, China, and Russia coordinated their positions and met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. The meeting served as an opportunity to discuss the agenda for the upcoming meeting, which will be held at the Vienna International Center (VIC) from November 19 to 21.
November 18, 2025
Međimurska Popevka Conquers Vienna: Historic Concert in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein
A touch of Croatian tradition and deeply felt emotions filled the venerable Golden Hall of the Vienna Musikverein, one of the world's most prestigious concert halls. The traditional vocal form of Međimurska popevka celebrated its triumphant debut under the title “A Tribute to Međimurska Popevka” (Počast međimurskoj popevki), marking a cultural milestone for the Međimurje region and Croatia as a whole.
November 18, 2025
New U.S. Ambassador Art Fisher Arrives in Vienna
The new Ambassador of the United States of America to Austria, Arthur “Art” Fisher, has arrived in Vienna and officially taken up his post. Upon his arrival at Vienna Airport, the real estate entrepreneur from North Carolina emphasized the importance of the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
November 16, 2025
Chinese Embassy in Vienna Hosts Symposium on the 80th Anniversary of Taiwan's Return
A symposium marking the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's return to China was held at the Chinese Embassy in Austria. The event, attended by Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Zheng Xuan and representatives of the Chinese community in Austria, including compatriots from Taiwan, served to reaffirm China's position on the Taiwan issue and coincided with a series of similar commemorative events in China and other embassies around the world.
November 16, 2025
25 Years of the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation: Transatlantic Bridge for Science and Innovation
The Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary at TUtheSky at the Vienna University of Technology. Under the motto “25 Years of Transatlantic Exchange,” the foundation brought together high-ranking representatives from politics, science, diplomacy, and numerous alumni to honor a quarter-century of successful transatlantic knowledge transfer between Austria and the United States.
November 13, 2025
Meet Secretary General of AmCham, Karin Zeltner, the Bridge Builder for Transatlantic Relations
The American Chamber of Commerce in Austria (AmCham) has had a new Secretary General for some time now: Karin Zeltner. Born in Vienna in 1982, the expert is taking up her post at a time when transatlantic trade relations are not only of crucial importance to the Austrian economy, but are also significantly affected by the tariff dispute between the EU and the US.
November 11, 2025
Austria's Historical Responsibility: 30 Years of the National Fund and the Promise of “Never Forget”
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen reaffirmed the country's ongoing responsibility for Nazi crimes. The federal government and the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG) are also intensifying their joint fight against anti-Semitism in view of the alarmingly high number of incidents.
November 11, 2025
Meet Zenon Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland's Experienced Diplomat and Ambassador to Austria
Poland is relying on an experienced diplomat in Vienna in Zenon Henryk Kosiniak-Kamysz, who holds the office of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland to Austria, having already served as chargé d'affaires in Vienna since October 2024.
November 10, 2025
Former President Fischer Calls for Recognition of Palestine and Criticizes Israel's Warfare
Former Austrian President Heinz Fischer's recent comments on Middle East policy and Austria's role in the world have once again caused a stir in Austrian politics and diplomacy. In conversations with several media outlets, the long-standing SPÖ politician not only called on the federal government to demonstrate its neutrality more strongly, but also urged a change of course in Middle East policy: Austria should recognize the state of Palestine, thereby causing a diplomatic scandal.
November 7, 2025
Austrian Foreign Minister in Egypt for Peace Diplomacy
The Egyptian capital was the setting for a unique event that linked the past and the future. While the grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza celebrated the country's rich history, Cairo was also at the center of intense diplomatic efforts to achieve stability and peace in the Middle East.
November 5, 2025
French Ambassador Peyraud Strengthens Relations in Salzburg and Klagenfurt
Ambassador Matthieu Peyraud of the Republic of France to Austria made two important visits to the provinces of Salzburg and Carinthia in the fall of 2025 to further deepen political, economic, and cultural ties between France and Austria. The focus of the visits was on the region's economic potential and on opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Carinthia and Salzburg with France. These efforts by France and Austria to strengthen their bilateral relations were also initiated by a French Senate delegation's visit to Vienna, and France's interest in the “Vienna model” of social housing is also growing.
November 4, 2025
UK Embassy in Vienna Celebrates Trafalgar Night with Dignitaries from the Austrian Ministry of Defence
The traditional Trafalgar Night Dinner at the British Embassy in Vienna was a special sign of the bond between Austria and Great Britain. The celebrations honored the legendary victory of the British Navy in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and its hero, Admiral Lord Nelson. Ambassador Lindsay Skoll and Defense Attaché Ewan Harris welcomed Austria's Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner and senior representatives from the Austrian Ministry of Defense.
November 3, 2025
Bridge to Riyadh: 15th Arab-Austrian Economic Forum Highlights “Vision 2030”
The 15th Arab-Austrian Economic Forum, organized by the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) and the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), serves as a central platform for deepening economic relations between Austria and Saudi Arabia in light of Saudi Vision 2030.
October 30, 2025
Tenth Anniversary of the ICMPD Migration Conference Calls for a “New International System”
The 10th Vienna Migration Conference (VMC), organized by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), took place on October 21 and 22, 2025, marking a decade of intensive dialogue on shaping international migration policy. Over 300 delegates from politics, the private sector, academia, think tanks, international organizations, and civil society gathered to discuss sustainable migration management, the recruitment of skilled workers, and the challenges of implementing EU reforms.
October 29, 2025
19th ESPI Autumn Conference at Vienna City Hall: “Europe as a Space Power”
The call for European autonomy and resilience in a rapidly changing global landscape dominated the 19th Autumn Conference of the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI). Under the ambitious motto “Europe as a Space Power – Direction and Priorities for Strategic Action,” European and international stakeholders gathered at the magnificent Vienna City Hall on October 28 and 29, 2025, to discuss concrete ways to strengthen Europe's position in space.
October 29, 2025
Stocker and Weißmann in Favor of Israel's Participation in the Song Contest
The question of Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 in Vienna continues to cause international controversy and political debate. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and ORF Director General Roland Weißmann have now spoken out clearly and unequivocally in favor of Israel's participation, citing Austria's historical responsibility.
October 29, 2025
Vienna's UNO Square Becomes a Memorial: “Flower of Srebrenica” Monument Unveiled
On United Nations Day, the “Flower of Srebrenica” memorial was ceremoniously unveiled on United Nations Square in Vienna-Donaustadt. Located directly in front of the UN building, the monument is a permanent symbol of remembrance for the victims of the genocide of Bosniaks in Srebrenica in July 1995 and a warning against forgetting.
October 27, 2025
German President Steinmeier Opens New German Embassy in Vienna and Calls for “Reinventing Europe”
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier concluded his three-day state visit to Austria. The focus of the visit was the official opening of the new German Embassy building in Vienna, accompanied by an urgent appeal to Europeans to reinvent the continent in the face of emerging geopolitical challenges.
October 26, 2025
High-Level Conference in Vienna Highlights the Strategic Realignment of the Caucasus and Central Asia
A high-level international conference entitled “Shifting Grounds: The Caucasus, Central Asia, and Europe in a New Global Order” was held at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, jointly organized by the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) and the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC). The conference focused on how profound geopolitical shifts are redefining the global balance of power and the strategic role of the Caucasus and Central Asia.
October 23, 2025
Meet Portugal's New Top Representative in Vienna, Jorge Manuel da Silva Lopes
The experienced diplomat and former ambassador to Croatia takes on the key role of Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.
October 21, 2025
Van der Bellen in the Baltic States: Strong Words for Europe's Security at the EU's External Border
The multi-day trip to the Baltic states by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, together with Doris Schmidauer, began in Lithuania and highlighted the central role of European security and the strengthening of economic relations in the region.
October 20, 2025
Austria's Diplomatic Offensive: Meinl-Reisinger Promotes UN Security Council Seat and New Partnerships Among Non-Aligned Countries
During her first trip to Africa following the adoption of Austria's new national Africa strategy, Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger promoted a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in Kampala, Uganda. In addition to diplomacy, the talks at the summit meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement focused on harnessing Africa's enormous economic potential and strengthening cooperation in the fight against illegal migration.
October 16, 2025
Vienna Conference Focuses on Preventing Human Trafficking in Times of Crisis
Under the motto “Resilient together: Preventing human trafficking in times of crisis,” this year's Vienna Conference Against Human Trafficking brought together representatives and international experts at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna.
October 16, 2025
Putin Appoints Andrei Grosov as Russia's New Ambassador to Vienna
Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed 64-year-old diplomat Andrei Grosov as the new ambassador of the Russian Federation to Austria. Grosov, a career diplomat who has worked in the foreign ministries of the Soviet Union and Russia since 1983, takes up the post in Vienna at a time when he is expected to navigate difficult relations.
October 16, 2025
Meet Simon Biedermann, Liechtenstein's New Ambassador in Vienna
The Principality of Liechtenstein has a new ambassador in Vienna. Diplomat Simon Biedermann has presented his credentials and now represents the Principality in Austria, Czechia, at the UN, and at the OSCE.
October 13, 2025
China's Ambassador Qi Mei Meets with Minister Hanke to Discuss Infrastructure and the Silk Road Initiative
Cooperation between China and Austria in important future-oriented areas was the focus of a meeting in Vienna between Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) and Chinese Ambassador H.E. Qi Mei.
October 12, 2025
Hattmannsdorfer Calls for Tough EU Action Against Hungary's Special Tax
Austria's Minister of Economic Affairs is urging Brussels to take Hungary to the European Court of Justice because the special tax imposed by Budapest burdens international retail chains such as Spar and Hofer with a discriminatory levy of up to 4.5 percent of net sales.
October 12, 2025
Russian Duma Seals Withdrawal From Plutonium Agreement with the U.S.
The lower house of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, voted to withdraw Russia completely from a key nuclear disarmament treaty with the United States. The Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA), which regulates the destruction of large quantities of weapons-grade plutonium, is now finally history.
October 8, 2025
Meet Ambassador Eduardo Paes Saboia, Brazil's Leading Diplomat in Vienna
Ambassador Eduardo Paes Saboia is Brazil's ambassador to Austria and Brazil's permanent representative to the United Nations in Vienna (UNOV). An experienced diplomat and expert in international and multilateral relations, he enriches the diplomatic community in Vienna.
October 7, 2025
OMV Changes Capital Market Strategy, Scales Back Investment Plans Until 2030
The partially state-owned energy company OMV is significantly adjusting its 2030 strategy and massively scaling back its planned investments. In order to increase its financial resilience in the face of ongoing economic and geopolitical volatility, the group is reducing its cumulative organic investment plans for the period from 2026 to 2030 by a total of five billion euros.
October 7, 2025
Croatian Businesses Showcase Their Activities at Schönbrunn Palace
The Croatian Economy Day took place in the imperial setting of the Gloriette in Schönbrunn Palace Park. Over 200 guests took the opportunity to engage in direct dialogue with around 40 Croatian companies. The event, organized by the representative office of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK) in Vienna, once again underscored the close and growing economic partnership between Austria and Croatia.
October 6, 2025
Beate Meinl-Reisinger Opens Photo Exhibition Marking 70 Years of Austria in the UN
On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Austria's accession to the United Nations, Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger visited the Vienna International Centre (VIC), also known as UNO City. The visit focused on an exchange with young people and the opening of the new permanent exhibition “Austria – UN in Vienna.”
October 6, 2025
Nuclear Threat: Putin Does not Rule Out Strikes Against Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plants
The nuclear safety situation in Ukraine is coming to a head. Amid ongoing concerns about the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened potential strikes against other Ukrainian nuclear power plants. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is concerned.
October 2, 2025
Austria Focuses on “Continent of Opportunity” with National Africa Strategy
The federal government has given the green light in the Council of Ministers for the development of a comprehensive, nationwide Austrian Africa strategy. The strategy aims to raise relations with the African continent in the areas of economy, security, migration, education, and culture to a new, structured level.
October 2, 2025
Security Debate in Austria: Expert Calls Neutrality “Immoral,” Former President Counters
In view of the “dramatically deteriorating” security situation in Europe and the approaching war, evidenced by drone alerts and airspace violations in NATO territory, there is intense debate in Austria about the role of neutrality.
October 1, 2025
Russian Diplomat Expelled Following OMV Espionage Case
Just a few days after a suspected espionage case at the Austrian oil, gas, and chemical company OMV came to light, Austria has declared a Russian diplomat “persona non grata.” The high-ranking employee of the Russian Embassy in Vienna has already left the country.
September 30, 2025
Meet Alison Grant, Canada's New Ambassador to Vienna
Alison Grant, Canada's new Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, has presented her credentials to UNOV Director-General Ghada Waly and, for Austria, to President Alexander Van der Bellen. With this appointment, Grant assumes an important dual mandate, serving simultaneously as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Austria and as Permanent Representative to all international organizations based in Vienna.
September 26, 2025
Vienna, a Hub for Espionage since the Cold War
For several historical and geographical reasons, Vienna has a long and distinguished history as a center of espionage. During the Cold War, Vienna gained particular significance as a hotspot for espionage, but even after the end of the Cold War, this status has continued and has even intensified in recent years.
September 26, 2025
Innovation in Politics Awards 2025 Honor Europe's Best Democracy Projects
As European Capital of Democracy 2025, Vienna was the venue for a festive gala at which the Innovation in Politics Awards 2025 were presented. The awards, which have been presented annually by the Innovation in Politics Institute since 2017, honor courageous political leaders and outstanding democratic projects from across Europe.
September 25, 2025
Focus on Babler's New York Trip: Restitution and Controversy over Costs
Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Culture Andreas Babler (SPÖ) has completed a mission in New York to restitute musical manuscripts by the Viennese composer Walter Benedikt (1896–1948). In a formal ceremony, the sheet music that Benedikt had to leave behind in 1938 when he fled from the Nazis was handed over to his legal successors.
September 24, 2025
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