Vienna Diplomatic News | ViennaDiplomacy | Cultural Diplomacy

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

Ukrainian-Austrian Solidarity: Schallenberg Attends Inaugural Summit of Crimea Platform and Delivers Vaccines

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal hosted Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Kiev for working talks. Schallenberg also attended the founding event of the Crimea Platform, which aims to reverse the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia, and he delivered a shipment of AstraZeneca vaccines to aid Ukraine in the COVID-19 pandemic fight.

August 23, 2021 · Updated: August 23, 2021; 16:48

Schallenberg on Afghanistan: "Particularly close coordination between the EU partners is essential."

Before a virtual meeting of EU foreign ministers, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg commented on the escalating events surrounding the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. He stressed the necessity for cooperation among the EU member states to help deal with the situation.

August 20, 2021

City Diplomacy: What Connects the German-Speaking Capitals Berlin, Bern and Vienna

Mayor of Berlin Michael Müller, Mayor of Bern Alec von Graffenried, and Mayor of Vienna Michael Ludwig met in Vienna to exchange experiences and learn from each other. The three mayors drew up a joint declaration that addressed climate change, affordable housing, economic resiliency from the COVID-19 pandemic, and democracy and the rule of law.

August 19, 2021

United Nations to Launch New Cross-Border Anti-Corruption Network in Vienna

The United Nations is launching a new anti-corruption network in Vienna known as the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network). Under the auspices of the UNODC, the GlobE Network aims to increase cross-border cooperation in combating corruption.

August 19, 2021

UNIDO Headquarters Vienna: A German Is to Become the Next Director General

Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Mr. Gerd Müller has been selected to become the next Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Learn more about Mr. Gerd Müller (Mueller) and read what he and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said about his nomination.

August 18, 2021

Van der Bellen on Afghanistan: "Deportations are contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights"

Austrian President Van der Bellen voiced his opinion on the situation in Afghanistan and the takeover of power by the radical Islamic Taliban. "The considerations to continue deporting Afghan citizens to Afghanistan are in contradiction to the European Convention on Human Rights, which is anchored in the Austrian Constitution and prohibits sending people back to a country where they have to expect persecution, torture and murder."

August 17, 2021

Solidarity with Lebanon: Austria Sends 100,000 Vaccines

The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened the multiple crises Lebanon is already facing, including the massive explosion in Beirut, an economic crisis, and political and social instability. Austria is donating 100,000 COVID-19 vaccines to aid Lebanon in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

August 17, 2021

UN Peacekeeping: Praise for Austrian Women and Men

The United Nations thanked Austria for its support in peacekeeping operations and for the service and sacrifice of its military and police personnel deployed around the world under the flag of the United Nations.

August 13, 2021

Mückstein Announces Ten Million Euros for International Projects in Health and Social Sector

Austrian Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein announced that Austria will provide ten million euros for European and international projects to address the health and social consequences of COVID-19. The projects are particularly targeted at women and girls, refugees and vulnerable groups that have been significantly affected by the health and economic consequences of the pandemic.

August 13, 2021

Rich History of the U.S. Mission to the International Organizations in Vienna

The U.S. Mission to the International Organizations in Vienna has a very rich history. Learn more about it.

July 5, 2021 · Updated: August 12, 2021; 18:00

Sports and Diplomacy: Austria Accedes to the Saint-Denis Convention

Austria has become the 21st country to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events. Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer explains that this agreement will help to create a safer environment for fans to enjoy sporting events.

August 12, 2021

Arrest of Austrian Journalist Deepens Austria’s Condemnation of Belarus

On the same day that Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg released a statement condemning Belarusian President Lukashenko and recent developments in Belarus, an ORF Journalist and a cameraman were arrested in Minsk. This arrest drew further condemnation from the Austrian Foreign Ministry.

August 12, 2021

New Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations Office at Vienna Presents her Credentials

The new Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ms. Belén Constanza Sapag Muñoz de la Peña, presented her credentials to the Director-General of the UNOV, Ms. Ghada Waly. Learn more about her background.

August 11, 2021

Solidarity With Bosnia and Herzegovina: Austria Sends 500,000 Vaccines

Austria has sent over 500,000 AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This shipment is in addition to the 650,000 vaccines that were provided to the Western Balkan states by the EU. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, and Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein all expressed their pleasure in working with Austria's neighbors to end the coronavirus pandemic.

August 11, 2021

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the United Nations Office at Vienna

The new Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Mr. Radomír Boháč, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the UNOV, Ms. Ghada Waly.

August 10, 2021

New Permanent Representative of Mauritius to the International Organizations in Vienna Presents her Credentials

The new Permanent Representative of Mauritius to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Mrs. Usha Dwarka-Canabady, presented her credentials to the Director-General of the UNOV, Ms. Ghada Waly.

August 10, 2021

Permanent Representative of Germany to the International Organizations in Vienna Presents his Credentials

The new Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Mr. Götz Schmidt-Bremme, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the UNOV, Ms. Ghada Waly.

August 10, 2021

Austria and Afghanistan: The Dilemma with Deportations

While the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), human rights organizations and the Afghan ambassador to Austria, H.E. Ms. Manizha Bakhtari, plead for a stop to deportations, Austria continues to adhere to repatriations to Afghanistan. Read more why.

August 6, 2021 · Updated: August 9, 2021; 08:08

Hiroshima and Nagasaki Memorial: Austria Calls for Disarmament

On the 76th anniversary of the dropping of atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg called for nuclear disarmament. They highlighted the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), signed earlier this year, as a good starting point.

August 5, 2021

CTBTO Has a New Executive Secretary

Australian scientist Dr. Robert Floyd became the new Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) after signing an appointment letter at the CTBTO headquarters in Vienna. Learn more about him.

August 5, 2021

Economic Opportunity: Malaysian-Austrian Joint Statement on Cooperation

Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry Mohamed Azmin Ali met with the Austrian Minister of the Economy Margarete Schramböck. The pair discussed cooperation in the high-tech industry, education and more. The two ministers also signed a joint statement, affirming Malaysia and Austria's intention of further economic cooperation.

August 3, 2021

Emergency Aid for Tunisia: Austria Delivers 50,000 Vaccines

Tunisia is receiving 50,000 AstraZeneca vaccines for COVID-19 from Austria. This comes as Tunisia is suffering heavily from the pandemic and has requested assistance.

August 3, 2021

Bulgarian President Meets With Van der Bellen in Salzburg

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev recently met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen at the Salzburg Festival. The two discussed various issues, including climate change, migration, the Western Balkans and more. Read more about their meeting.

August 2, 2021

High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina Farewelled by Austria

The High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Valentin Inzko, has left his position. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg praised him for his many years of service and his support of the Western Balkans in a farewell statement.

August 2, 2021

Pioneering Hydrogen Alliance between the United Arab Emirates and Austria

On the occasion of the visit of the Ruler and Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to Austria, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Austria agreed on a strategic partnership. The core of the agreement is closer international cooperation in the fields of hydrogen, renewable energy, youth exchange, green technologies, digital economy and research, according to the UAE Embassy in Vienna and Chancellor Kurz.

August 1, 2021

Croatian-Austrian Relations: Support for the Planned Schengen Accession

Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić-Radman recently met with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in Zagreb. The pair discussed the planned accession of Croatia into the Schengen area, as well as safe travel practices for the summer.

July 27, 2021

Von der Leyen Meets With Alexander Schallenberg and Karoline Edtstadler

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Austrian Federal Minister for the EU and the Constitution Karoline Edtstadler at the Salzburg Festival.

July 27, 2021

The Central 5 (C5) Discusses COVID-19 in Czech Republic

Slovak Foreign Minister Ivan Korčok, Slovenian Foreign Minister Anže Logar, Czech Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhánek, and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, met with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg as part of the “Central 5” (C5) country group. Here they discussed the COVID-19 pandemic, EU enlargement, and more.

July 23, 2021

Arab-Israeli Rapprochement in Vienna: Israel and Morocco Plant Friendship Tree

Ambassador of Israel to Austria, Mr. Mordechai Rodgold, hosted the Ambassador of Morocco to Austria, Mr. Azzeddine Farhane, for the planting of a friendship cedar tree at the Embassy of Israel in Austria.

July 23, 2021

U.S. Embassy Vienna: Biden Nominates Victoria Kennedy for Austria Ambassadorship

Victoria Reggie Kennedy, the widow of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, has been appointed U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Austria by U.S. President Joe Biden, the White House announced.

July 22, 2021

Many US Diplomats in Vienna Affected by Havana Syndrome

Since President Joe Biden took office, more than 20 US diplomatic officials in Vienna have already reported symptoms resembling the mysterious brain disease Havana syndrome. According to the State Department, the number of cases of the disease is greater in Vienna than in any other city except Havana. But what's behind it?

July 21, 2021 · Updated: July 21, 2021; 16:20

New Ambassador of Niger to Austria Presents Credentials

The new Ambassador of Niger to Austria, Mr. Laouali Labo, presented his credentials to the President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen. Learn more about him.

July 21, 2021

Vietnamese Ambassador Presents Credentials to International Organizations in Vienna

The new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Vietnam, Nguyen Trung Kien, presented his credentials to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly. On July 5, 2021, he also presented Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen with his credentials.

July 14, 2021 · Updated: July 21, 2021; 13:00

Russian-Austrian Relations: What is the Sochi Dialogue?

The establishment of the Russian-Austrian civil society forum "Sochi Dialogue" dates back to an initiative by Vladimir Putin and Sebastian Kurz in February 2018. The forum's mission is to promote the exchange of views and ideas. What is the status quo?

July 20, 2021

Meet the New Ambassador of Romania to Austria

The new Ambassador of Romania to Austria, Mr. Emilian Horațiu Hurezeanu, presented his credentials to the President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen. Learn more about his background.

July 20, 2021

Von der Leyen and King Philippe Meet with Van der Bellen in Brussels

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgium's King Philippe each met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen on his latest trip to Brussels. Climate change was a key topic of discussion. Read what Van der Bellen had to say about it.

July 20, 2021

New Ambassador of Panama to Austria Presents Credentials

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to the Republic of Austria, Mr. Dario Ernesto Chiru Ochoa, presented his credentials to the Federal President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen. Learn more about his background.

July 19, 2021

U.S. Embassy in Vienna Named New Chargé d'Affaires a.i.

Mario Mesquita assumed his post as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the United States Embassy in Austria. At the same time, Chargé d'Affaires Robin Dunnigan bid farewell after four years in Austria. Who is the new Chargé d'Affaires?

July 19, 2021

A "Kennedy" Is to Become U.S. Ambassador to Vienna

Victoria Kennedy, the widow of the prominent U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy (1932-2009), reportedly is under consideration to be US ambassador to Austria, the Austrian Federal Presidency confirmed. Find out how it came about.

July 17, 2021

Meet the New Ambassador of Nicaragua to Austria

The new Ambassador of Nicaragua to Austria, Sabra Amari Murillo Centeno, presented her credentials to Austrian President, Alexander Van der Bellen. Learn more about her.

July 16, 2021

New Ambassador of Nigeria to Austria Presents his Credentials

The new Ambassador of Nigeria to Austria and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations (Vienna), Mr. Suleiman Dauda Umar, presented his credentials to the Federal President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen. Learn more about him.

July 15, 2021

At Summit With Merkel, Kurz Reaffirms Support for Western Balkan EU Accession

German Chancellor Angela Merkel hosted Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and other leaders for the Western Balkans Summit. Kurz expressed his full support for the six Western Balkan states Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. Read what he said.

July 15, 2021

Kurz Visits USA and Meets with UN Secretary-General Guterres

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz traveled to the USA for a multi-day visit. One of his many meetings was with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York. Kurz discussed COVID-19, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and much more. Read more about his trip and his other meetings.

July 14, 2021

Meet the New Ambassador of Slovenia to Austria

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Austria, H.E. Mr. Aleksander Geržina, presented his credentials to the Federal President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen. He was already Ambassador to Austria from 2009 to 2013. Learn more about his background.

July 13, 2021

Meet the Ambassador of the French Republic to Austria

The Ambassador of the French Republic to Austria, Mr. Gilles Pécout, presented his credentials to the Federal President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen. Read more about him.

July 12, 2021 · Updated: July 12, 2021; 13:43

Meet the Ambassador of Pakistan to Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna

The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Austria, Mr. Aftab Ahmad Khokher, presented his credentials to the Federal President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen. Learn more about him.

July 9, 2021

Latest Travel Restrictions From Austria to the USA

Travel to the USA from Austria is still restricted due to COVID-19, but the US Embassy Vienna has provided rules for National Interest Exceptions (NIE). Learn more about them before traveling.

July 8, 2021

The U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and its New Chargé d’Affaires

A brief look at what the U.S. Mission to the OSCE does and its new Chargé d’Affaires, Courtney E. Austrian.

July 7, 2021

Qatar and Vienna Exchange Cooperation Ideas

Ambassador of Qatar to Vienna Salmeen Al-Mansouri and Mayor of Vienna Michael Ludwig express mutual interest in further cooperation between Qatar and Vienna with the full support of the Secretary-General of the AACC Mouddar Khouja.

July 6, 2021

Permanent Observer of the Inter-Parliamentary Union to the International Organizations in Vienna Presents her Credentials

The new Permanent Observer of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to the International Organizations in Vienna, Dr. Brigitte Brenner, presented her credentials to the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Dennis Thatchaichawalit. Learn more about her background.

June 30, 2021