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

UNODC World Drug Report 2022 Highlights Trends in Global Drug Supply and Demand

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime released its annual World Drug Report. The Report highlights new trends on cannabis post-legalization, environmental impacts of illicit drugs, relations between drug markets and conflict zones like Ukraine, and drug use among women and youth. Learn more about the World Drug Report 2022.

June 29, 2022

Iran Expressed Readiness to Continue Nuclear Talks

EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Josep Borrell visited Tehran and announced that Iran wants to resume the stalled negotiations on the international nuclear agreement in the coming days.

June 27, 2022

Dutch Royal Couple Visits Austria

The Dutch royal couple, His Majesty Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, and Her Majesty Máxima, Queen of the Netherlands traveled to Vienna for a state visit. The three-day visit is mainly about strengthening bilateral relations between Austria and the Netherlands and the effects of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine on Europe.

June 27, 2022

Israeli Ambassador Presents First "Israel Friendship Award" in Vienna

The newly created "Israel Friendship Award" was presented for the first time last week in Vienna to individuals and institutions that promote excellent relations between Israel and Austria. The winners were the Austria-Israel Academic Network Innsbruck and the Austrian former football coach of the Israeli national team, Andreas Herzog. From now on, the award will be presented annually by the Israeli ambassador.

June 27, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Newest Developments in Diplomacy and Vienna

Read about the newest developments in Diplomacy in Vienna and Austria. Further, Austria is strengthening its efforts in aiding Ukraine, international politics and local grievances. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov visited Iran. The Find out more about this week's developments.

June 23, 2022

Libya's Foreign Minister Visits Austria

Libyan Foreign Minister Najla El-Mangoush is on a working visit to Vienna.The Foreign Minister of Libya, Najla El-Mangoush, was received today by Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.

June 23, 2022

Republic of Korea and Austria Celebrate 130 Years of Bilateral Relations

The Republic of Korea and Austria are celebrating 130 years of diplomatic relations today. The two close partners have exchanged more and more intensively, especially in the recent past. Read on to learn more about the bilateral relations between the two countries.

June 23, 2022

Iran Nuclear Talks: Avoiding Sanctions - Lavrov in Tehran

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has arrived in Iran for a visit. He first met with President Ebrahim Raisi in the capital Tehran and will meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Iran Nuclear Talks will also play a significant role in Lavrov's visit since both countries are trying to find a way to avoid further sanctions by the West.

June 22, 2022

First Conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Vienna

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons wants to ban the possession of Nuclear Weapons in the world. Member states of the treaty met today in Vienna for the first time to convene about further developments.

June 21, 2022

Three Seas Initiative in Riga for Common Ground against Russia

The Three Seas Initiative met in Riga. Austria and eleven other Central Eastern European countries accepted Ukraine as a member of the Three Seas Initiative at the Presidential Summit in Riga. Austrian President Van der Bellen traveled to Riga and appealed for unity against Russia.

June 20, 2022

UNIDO Strengthens Cooperation Between Italy, UN Agencies and Private Sector

United Nations Industrial Development Organization Chief Gerd Müller traveled to Italy. The aim of the trip was to intensify the cooperation with Italy. Müller met Italian diplomats, representatives of the business community and the United Nations in Rome and signed an agreement with the Italian energy company Eni.

June 19, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Diplomacy and Newest Developments in Vienna and Austria

Read about the newest developments in Diplomacy in Vienna and Austria. Further, Austria is strengthening its efforts to fight global and local grievances. Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg visited Serbia and Kosovo. The Find out more about this week's developments.

June 19, 2022

OSCE Strengthens Cooperation Between Europe and Asia

At the recent OSCE Asia Conference in Vienna, participants discussed synergies and opportunities for cooperation between the European organization and its Asian partners. Members strongly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and called for a return to multilateralism.

June 17, 2022

IAEA Cancer Care Initiative Receives €9 Million

IAEA has received over €9 million, pledged by six countries, to support its new cancer care initiative, "Rays of Hope". The initiative wants to establish and expand radiotherapy services, with a particular focus on countries, that completely lack facilities for radiation treatment.

June 16, 2022

Viennese Diplomats Visited Governor Doskozil in Burgenland

Governor Hans Peter Doskozil received ambassadors of foreign representative authorities at the Martinsschlössel in Donnerskirchen in the Austrian province of Burgenland.

June 15, 2022

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Serbia and Kosovo

Austrian foreign policy is always eager in the Balkans, especially in times of the Ukraine war. Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg traveled again to the Western Balkans region, more precisely to Serbia and Kosovo. The talks focused on the impact of the Russian war against Ukraine, the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries and the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo.

June 14, 2022

Austrian President Van der Bellen Met with Delegation of the Sauti-Kuu Foundation

The climate crisis affects the entire world and environmental protection is an important component of future-oriented development policy. In the course of Austrian development policy, Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen met with the delegation of the Sauti-Kuu Foundation from Kenya.

June 13, 2022

Diplomats in Austria March for Equality at Vienna Pride

Diplomats in Vienna marched for equality at one of the most important events of the Vienna pride, the Rainbow Parade. Learn more about "Diplomats for Equality" and today's event for peace and equality.

June 11, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Austrian Efforts in International Politics, IAEA Concerns and Russian War in Ukraine

Austria is strengthening its efforts in foreign policy and international cooperation. The IAEA is expressing its concerns about nuclear security in Iran and Ukraine. The Russian war in Ukraine is causing serious questions about human rights and European security. The Find out more about this week's developments.

June 11, 2022

Austrian Chancellor Strengthening Partnership with Estonia

Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer met the Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas in Tallinn for working talks. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, digitization, the war in Ukraine and the energy transition of the European Union.

June 10, 2022

Austrian Foreign Ministry Nominates 25 New Acts for "The New Austrian Sound of Music"

Austria's successful music grant program enters its eighth round. The Austrian Foreign Ministry will nominate 25 new acts for "The New Austrian Sound of Music". Learn more about this program in cultural diplomacy.

June 10, 2022

IAEA Prepares Visit to Zaporizhzya Nuclear Power Plant Despite Russian Occupation and Opposition from Kyiv

The International Atomic Energy Agency prepares a visit to the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in the Russian-occupied zone of Ukraine. While this in itself is a difficult undertaking because of the Russian occupation forces, Kyiv's defensiveness added to this, complicating the IAEA's efforts to assess and ensure the nuclear safety of Europe's largest nuclear power plant.

June 9, 2022

Austrian Ministry of Justice Wants Better European Cooperation in the Area of Justice

Justice and Home Affairs Ministers are discussing stricter environmental criminal law, better international cooperation on criminal offenses and Russia sanctions in the European Council. The Austrian Ministry of Justice under Alma Zadic welcomes stricter prosecution of environmental crimes and a united effort to sanction Russian oligarchs.

June 9, 2022

Austria to Support Prosecution of Alleged War Crimes in Ukraine

All parliamentary groups in the Human Rights Committee adopted a resolution calling for an investigation and prosecution of alleged war crimes committed by Russia during its aggression against Ukraine.

June 8, 2022

What is the Austrian Ombudsman Board?

The Austrian Ombudsman Board began its work 45 years ago. Since then, according to the Austrian constitution, anyone who suspects maladministration can turn to the Austrian Ombudsman Board. The Austrian Ombudsman Board in Vienna also houses the General Secretariat of the International Ombudsman Institute. Learn more about the Austrian Ombudsman Board.

June 8, 2022

Austria Confirms Poland's Role in Aid to Ukraine

Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg visited the Polish capital Warsaw for a working visit. There, Foreign Minister Schallenberg explained that Poland is the hub for Ukraine's assistance.

June 7, 2022

Trilateral Presidential Meeting Between the Presidents of Austria, Croatia and Slovenia

Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen met with his counterparts from Croatia and Slovenia, Zoran Milanovic and Borut Pahor, in Croatia for the traditional triennial meeting. The focus is on the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans, as well as the impact of the Russian war in Ukraine.

June 5, 2022

Austrian Armed Forces Exercising and Training Abroad

The Austrian Armed Forces' exercise and training plan for 2022 will enable Austrian troops to train aboard and conduct exercises with the militaries of partnering countries. With the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Austria is strengthening its military cooperation with Western partners and exercises will be conducted within the framework of international organizations, the European Union, multilateral cooperation, and NATO's "Partnership for Peace."

June 1, 2022

Dignitaries From Vienna in Davos: Recap of the World Economic Forum 2022

The World Economic Forum (WEF) took place and some dignitaries from Vienna attended the meeting in Davos. Read more about the World Economic Forum in Davos in the Recap.

May 31, 2022

Austria Against Gas Embargo

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Austria are against a gas embargo and Chancellor Nehammer emphasized that a gas embargo will not be part of further sanctions.

May 31, 2022

Austrian Foreign Ministry and Ars Electronica Strive for Artistic Freedom

Austrian Foreign Ministry and Ars Electronica created a Virtual Space for artistic freedom. In times of crisis, there is clear support for artists and artistic freedom.

May 30, 2022

Think Tank: Concerns About EU Sanctions Against Russian Oil and Gas

For some time now, the business community has been complaining about the lack of information on how gas and oil will be distributed sensibly in the event of a supply freeze from Russia. The Austrian Economic Research Institute (WIFO) is also concerned about the future of the energy supply and discusses possible solutions.

May 29, 2022

Austrian Chancellor Had a Phonecall With Putin

Chancellor Karl Nehammer spoke on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine. Specifically, it was about "green corridors" and the exchange of prisoners. The phone call was very intense. The focus was on issues of humanitarian aid, food security and prisoner exchange. Austria wants to mediate between Moscow and the West.

May 29, 2022

Foreign Policy Committees of the Austrian Parliament and the Ukrainian Parliament Discuss Situation in Ukraine

Members of the Austrian Parliament exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine with representatives of the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament.

May 23, 2022

How the Austrian Development Agency Assists in Moldova

The Austrian Development Agency supports the Republic of Moldova. The Republic of Moldova is characterized by an economy specialized in agriculture. However, the country has many political and economic problems, that need to be addressed.

May 23, 2022

Conference On The Future of the EU and Eastern Europe By ERSTE Foundation and IWM

In cooperation with the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM), ERSTE Foundation is organizing the Time To Decide Europe Summit 2022 on the future of the EU, Ukraine, Russia and the Western Balkans. More than 20 leading European intellectuals will develop theses and solutions for Europe, the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Russia.

May 22, 2022

Austrian Leadership Program 2022 Underlines Friendship Between Austria and Western Balkans

The Austrian Leadership Program 2022, the Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs, Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, welcomed 22 selected leaders from the countries of the Western Balkans to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This year's visit program focuses on the topic of "Green Technologies".

May 19, 2022

How China's Global Infrastructure Strategy Undermines European Integration in the Western Balkans and Beyond

The accession of the Western Balkans countries into the European Union continues to be a topic of debate amongst the EU Member States. Read how China's global infrastructure strategy may be undermining these countries' aspirations for EU membership.

May 19, 2022

Space Diplomacy: Switzerland and ESA Establish Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre

Switzerland and the European Space Agency signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, establishing the center for European Space Deep-Tech Innovation at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Villigen, Switzerland.

May 18, 2022

Finland and Sweden Submit Applications to Join NATO

With Russia posing a threat to Finland and Sweden through its attack on Ukraine, both countries decided to join NATO. The ambassadors of Finland and Sweden handed over the relevant documents to NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg this morning.

May 18, 2022

Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting: OSCE Emphasizes Importance of Key Principles of Democracy

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe is organizing the Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting, emphasizing the importance of democratic principles, human rights and independent media work and how the Russian invasion of Ukraine is threatening these principles in Europe.

May 17, 2022

Russia and Allies Held Summit in Moscow

The Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) held a meeting in Moscow to strengthen Russia's alliance with military partners like Belarus, Kazahkstan, Armenia, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan and to condemn the West. The CSTO and its Collective Security Council meeting were held in honor of the 30th anniversary of the treaty and the 20th anniversary of the organization.

May 17, 2022

How the People’s Republic of China Leverages Its Membership in Multilateral Organizations to Advance Its Geopolitical Interests

Without question, China has become a global superpower and is successfully expanding its influence around the world. While there are many factors that have contributed to this success, China’s utilization of multilateral organizations to shape the international system to its liking cannot be discounted. Read how China has leveraged its membership in multilateral organizations to advance its own geopolitical interests.

May 17, 2022

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels

The Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union met in Brussels. The Russian war of aggression on Ukraine and the planned sixth sanctions package against Russia in response to it were central topics.

May 16, 2022

IAEA on the Status of Ukraine's Nuclear Security

The Russian aggression on Ukraine threatens Ukraine's nuclear security. The IAEA reports new news regarding Ukraine's nuclear safety. The data link to Chernobyl is fully operational again, but the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which is under Russian control, allows only limited access for IAEA personnel.

May 15, 2022

New Hope in Iran Nuclear Talks

New hopes have risen in the Vienna Nuclear Talks. The European Union reports the success of negotiator Enrique Mora, who traveled to Tehran this week.

May 15, 2022

Meeting of UN Officials in Vienna: What Is the Chief Executives Board of Coordination

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the senior management of UN agencies are currently meeting in Vienna. The main reason for the meeting is the Chief Executives Board of Coordination, the highest coordination body of the United Nations. Read more about this important event.

May 12, 2022

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Meets Secretary-General Guterres and other Top Officials of the United Nations

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, is currently visiting Vienna for the Chief Executives Board of Coordination of the United Nations. Along with meeting Austrian Chancellor Nehammer, Guterres also met Austria’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.

May 12, 2022

Meeting Between Antonio Guterres and Karl Nehammer Dominated by the Ukraine Crisis

UN Secretary General António Guterres met with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer today to discuss current issues such as the war in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic. Both partners were convinced of the importance of continuing to negotiate with the Russian aggressor and discussed Austria's role in mediating peace.

May 11, 2022

Pro-Russian Authorities in Kherson Want to Ask Russia For Annexation

Russia accomplished in its war efforts in Ukraine to occupy Kherson. The pro-Russian authorities, installed by the Kremlin, in occupied Kherson plan to ask for the southern Ukrainian region's incorporation into Russia.

May 11, 2022