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Vienna Diplomatic News | ViennaDiplomacy | Cultural Diplomacy
Read the latest headlines about diplomatic missions and international organizations in Vienna and Austria
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
Meet Annika Ben David, the New Swedish Ambassador to Austria
Annika Ben David took up her new post as Swedish Ambassador to Austria and Slovakia. In addition to her role as ambassador, she is also Sweden's permanent representative to the international organizations in Vienna. With her extensive diplomatic experience, gained in various countries and with a clear focus on human rights, she brings impressive expertise to her new position.
September 23, 2025
IAEA General Conference 2025: Nuclear Science and Diplomacy in Uncertain Times
The 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna was a week-long conference, considered the organization's most important political decision-making body, bringing together over 3,000 participants from 153 member states. The focus was on global challenges such as the growing threat of nuclear proliferation and climate change, which the IAEA aims to address through its unique mandate.
September 23, 2025
80th Anniversary of the UN: Diplomatic Week in New York with Austria's President
This week, New York is the center of international diplomacy, where around 150 heads of state and government are meeting for the United Nations (UN) General Debate. This year's assembly is dominated by the 80th anniversary of the UN and the urgent call for reform. Austria is represented by President Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, and Meinl-Reisinger.
September 22, 2025
Austria's Confidence in the EU is Dwindling: A Reflection of Global Uncertainty
The mood among Austrians toward the European Union is tense. A recent survey by the Austrian Society for European Policy (ÖGfE) shows that only 61% of respondents are still in favor of remaining in the EU. This represents a significant decline compared to previous surveys and reflects the growing uncertainty among the population.
September 21, 2025
Fugitive Wirecard Manager Marsalek Tracked Down in Moscow
After extensive international research, a consortium of journalists has tracked down fugitive Wirecard manager Jan Marsalek in Moscow. According to reports, the 45-year-old is living under a false identity and working for the Russian secret service, the FSB.
September 17, 2025
Austria's Meinl-Reisinger Welcomes Chinese Counterpart with Focus on Geopolitics and Trade
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Vienna to deepen bilateral relations and discuss global challenges. The meeting, which was also documented by media representatives, underscores the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
September 16, 2025
Austria's Diplomatic Conference Focuses on Foreign Policy
Amid global crises and economic uncertainty, Austria’s Foreign Ministry is positioning itself with a clear strategic focus. The annual Ambassadors' Conference (BOKO) and the parallel Foreign Cultural Conference (AKT) in Vienna demonstrated how the Foreign Ministry, under the leadership of Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and State Secretary Sepp Schellhorn, defends and promotes Austrian interests worldwide.
September 14, 2025
In Memoriam Hannes Tretter: Vienna Symposium “Emergency Democracy” Continues His Life’s Work
On September 24, 2025, a high-caliber panel of experts will gather in the attic of Vienna's Juridicum to commemorate the late lawyer and human rights expert Hannes Tretter and continue his life's work. The symposium “Emergency Democracy” is dedicated to the project of the same name, which was conceived in the last months of his life.
September 11, 2025
Taliban Representatives Support Austria in Deportations
A delegation from the Afghan Taliban regime has held talks with the Austrian Interior Ministry in Vienna to help identify Afghans who are scheduled for deportation. The cooperation, which the Interior Ministry describes as “necessary” for the deportation of criminals, has been sharply criticized by human rights organizations.
September 11, 2025
Austria Fails in Lawsuit Against EU Taxonomy on Nuclear Power and Gas
Austria's lawsuit against the classification of nuclear power and natural gas as sustainable energy sources has failed before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg. The court upheld the decision of the EU Commission, which had expanded the EU Taxonomy Regulation to include these forms of energy in 2022.
September 10, 2025
Austria and Slovenia: Diplomatic Efforts Following the “Peršmanhof Incident”
Relations between Austria and Slovenia, traditionally characterized by friendly cooperation, have been put to the test since a controversial police operation at Peršmanhof. The diplomatic response is currently evident on two levels: while Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon is pushing for clarification with a symbolic gesture and clear words, representatives of both regions are simultaneously deepening practical cooperation in numerous areas.
September 10, 2025
Problems in the Austrian Education System as per the OECD: High Expenditure, Low Success
A recent study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) entitled “Education at a Glance” paints a critical picture of the Austrian education system. Despite high spending per student—US$16,604 in 2022 compared to an OECD average of US$11,843—Austria lags in key areas.
September 9, 2025
Austrian Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Meets Belarusian Opposition Leader Tsikhanouskaya
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger welcomed Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to Vienna for talks. The discussions focused on the current situation of civil society in Belarus and efforts to secure the release of political prisoners detained there.
September 7, 2025
Chinese Ambassador QI Mei Meets Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler
The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, QI Mei, and the Austrian Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media, and Sport, Andreas Babler, met for bilateral talks in Vienna. The aim of the meeting was to discuss bilateral relations and other topics of mutual interest.
September 7, 2025
OPEC+ Continues to Turn Up the Oil Tap
The OPEC+ oil-producing countries, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, have announced a further increase in their crude oil production. From October 2025, daily production will be increased by an additional 137,000 barrels (159 liters each). This move is part of a strategy aimed at gradually reversing previous production cuts and regaining market share.
September 7, 2025
Negotiations on Iran's Nuclear Program: Tehran Hints at Concessions
Iran has signaled its willingness to limit its nuclear program under strict supervision, but in return is demanding the lifting of international sanctions.
September 7, 2025
Skepticism in Austria: Majority Rejects EU Enlargement
A recent Eurobarometer survey reveals clear opposition to EU enlargement in Austria. While a majority of EU citizens are positive about further accession candidates, there is remarkable skepticism in Austria. With only 45 percent in favor, Austrians are among the lowest in Europe.
September 3, 2025
European Forum Alpbach 2025 Breaks records and Looks to the Future of Europe
This year's European Forum Alpbach (EFA) ended with a new record number of participants. Under the motto “Recharge Europe,” around 4,700 participants from 127 countries gathered to discuss the renewal of Europe and find solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. The event also marked the 80th anniversary of the forum, which has established itself as one of the leading conferences on the future of Europe.
September 1, 2025
Despite UN Sanctions Looming, Iran Refuses to Make Further Concessions
Iran does not intend to change its stance in the nuclear dispute with the international community, even in light of the imminent reintroduction of UN sanctions.
August 31, 2025
Hungarian Foreign Minister Sharply Criticizes Austrian President Van der Bellen
There is currently diplomatic tension between Vienna and Budapest after Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen criticized political developments in a “neighboring country” at the European Forum Alpbach. Although the president did not explicitly mention Hungary, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó responded with a sharp counterattack, accusing Van der Bellen of being involved in the failed formation of an FPÖ government in Austria.
August 31, 2025
Diplomatic Appeal on Gaza: Meinl-Reisinger Rejects Sanctions
An open letter from 26 high-ranking Austrian diplomats, including former Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner and her predecessor Peter Jankowitsch, has sparked a heated debate about Austria's Gaza policy. The diplomats are calling for tougher action against Israel, but Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) is sticking to the government's current line and rejecting sanctions.
August 28, 2025
WIFO Chief Calls for Tougher Stance in Tariff Dispute with the U.S.
In the ongoing tariff dispute between the European Union and the United States of America, Gabriel Felbermayr, Director of the Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO), advocates a reorientation of the European negotiating strategy.
August 28, 2025
Austria Could Grant Vladimir Putin Immunity for Peace Talks Despite Arrest Warrant
Amid ongoing tensions in the Ukraine war, neutral Austria could play a decisive role as a mediator. As confirmed by the Austrian Foreign Ministry, it would be prepared to host possible peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. A possibility was also raised of granting Russian President Vladimir Putin immunity despite an international arrest warrant.
August 27, 2025
Austrian Foreign Minister on Mission for European Peace and Stability in Moldova and Ukraine
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger sought to reinforce her vision for a united and resilient European Union with her latest trip and diplomatic efforts. During her visit to Moldova and Ukraine, she not only sent a message of solidarity, but also positioned herself as an advocate for an independent European defense policy upon her return to Alpbach.
August 25, 2025
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