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

C.I.A. Review Finds Mysterious "Havana Syndrome" Unlikely Caused by Enemies

A CIA assessment has found that most of the cases of the "Havana Syndrome" that has been affecting hundreds of diplomats around the world are not likely the result of actions of a foreign power. Read about the CIA's findings and what they believe the cause of Havana Syndrome is.

January 24, 2022

Van der Bellen: New Year's Address to the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna

President Van der Bellen delivered his New Year's address to the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna. He talked about the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and more. Read what the president said and watch his speech.

January 24, 2022

Austria's Position on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain high as Russia still has thousands of troops stationed on the Ukrainian border. Read Austria's position on the issue.

January 22, 2022

Schallenberg on Russia's Aggression Toward Ukraine: "Dialogue where possible. Clear lines where necessary."

Foreign Minister Schallenberg gave a speech in the Austrian National Council in which he addressed the current tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Read what the foreign minister warned about the situation.

January 21, 2022

Kazakh Foreign Minister in Vienna Promises Investigation into the Unrest

Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Muchtar Tileuberdi met with Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Vienna, and the pair discussed the recent protests and violence in Kazakhstan. Read more about their discussion, and watch their joint press conference.

January 20, 2022

Austria's Initiatives to Strengthen EU External Border Management

Austria is co-organizing a conference in Lithuania to discuss EU external border protection. Interior Minister Karner, who will represent Austria at the meeting, first stopped in Hungary to talk about the issue with his Hungarian counterpart Sándor Pintér. Read more about Austria's efforts to strengthen EU external border management.

January 20, 2022

Meet Mordechai Rodgold, Israel's Ambassador to Vienna

H.E. Mr. Mordechai Rodgold is the current Ambassador of Israel to Austria. Learn more about Ambassador Rodgold and his impressive career.

January 19, 2022

Meet the New Mongolian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Tsengeg Mijiddorj

The new Ambassador of Mongolia to Austria, H.E. Mr. Tsengeg Mijiddorj, presented his credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about Ambassador Mijiddorj.

January 18, 2022

Russia-Austria Relationship: "A Window of Opportunity"

Against the backdrop of a simmering military-technical conflict between Russia and the West in Ukraine, Russian bilateral ambassador to Austria Dmitry Lyubinsky says Russian-Austrian ties in the sphere of culture and science have traditionally been "the trump card in relations between the two states."

January 18, 2022

Israel and Austria Step Up Cooperation on Security Issues

Israeli Ambassador Mordechai Rodgold and Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner met for working talks to discuss further cooperation on security issues. Read more about their meeting and what they said about the fight against anti-Semitism.

January 18, 2022

Meet the New Italian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Stefano Beltrame

The new Ambassador of Italy to Austria, H.E. Mr. Stefano Beltrame, presented his credentials to Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Learn more about the new ambassador.

January 17, 2022

Schallenberg Cautions "Ukraine's Sovereignty Is Not Negotiable Under Any Circumstances"

Foreign Minister Schallenberg recently discussed the current tensions between Ukraine and Russia at a meeting with his counterparts from the EU in Brest, France. Read more about Schallenberg's stance on Ukraine and dealing with Russia in the context of Russia's troop buildup and a recent cyberattack on Ukraine.

January 17, 2022

U.S. and EU Establish "Transatlantic Coordination" Against Russia

Europe and the U.S. are closing ranks in the face of feared Russian aggression against Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and EU High Representative Josep Borrell are determined to "form a strong, clear and united transatlantic front," European Union External Action announced after a phone call between the two. According to the statement, they expressed their commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

January 16, 2022

Meet the Reappointed U.S. Ambassador to the U.S. Mission in Vienna, Laura S.H. Holgate

Laura Susan Hayes Holgate, an American diplomat who was already accredited as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations International Organizations in Vienna and to the IAEA for six months between 2016 and 2017, is back under President Joe Biden.

January 16, 2022

President of Switzerland on Official State Visit to Austria

On his first official visit to Austria as president, Swiss President Ignazio Cassis met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Read more about the meeting between the two presidents.

January 14, 2022

Meet the New Canadian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Troy Barry Lulashnyk

The new Ambassador of Canada to Austria, H.E. Mr. Troy Barry Lulashnyk, presented his credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about Mr. Lulashnyk.

January 14, 2022

Meet the New Ukrainian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Vasyl Khymynets

The new Ambassador of Ukraine to Austria, H.E. Mr. Vasyl Khymynets, presented his credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about him.

January 13, 2022

Meet the Ambassador of the UK to Austria and Permanent Representative to the Intl Organisations in Vienna, H.E. Ms. Lindsay Skoll

The new Ambassador of the UK to Austria and Permanent Representative of the UK to the International Organizations in Vienna is H.E. Ms. Lindsay Skoll. Learn more about Ms. Skoll and her impressive career.

January 13, 2022

Russian Diplomatic Representatives in Vienna Commemorated the Day of the Unknown Soldier

Wreath-laying ceremony at the monument to the Soviet soldier at the Aspern cemetery in Vienna coincided with the Russian Day of the Unknown Soldier, annually celebrated in Russia in memory of Russian and Soviet soldiers who died in hostilities.

January 13, 2022

Vicki Kennedy Accredited as U.S. Ambassador to Austria

Victoria Kennedy presented her credentials to Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, officially making her the new Ambassador of the United States to Austria. Learn more about the new ambassador.

January 12, 2022

NATO and Russian Leaders Say Differences "Will Be Hard to Bridge"

Representatives from NATO and Russia met in Brussels at the NATO-Russia Council to try to de-escalate the tensions between Russia and Ukraine and NATO. Read what each side is demanding and why the leaders say the differences "will be hard to bridge."

January 12, 2022

German Ambassador in Vienna to Become Head of Department at German Foreign Office in Berlin

After only two years in Vienna, Germany's ambassador to Austria is set to become head of the culture and communications department in Berlin under Annalena Baerbock.

January 12, 2022

Resumption of the Vienna Nuclear Talks with Iran and Two New Ladies

Negotiations on reviving the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers are already continuing in Vienna. Two new representatives from Germany and the United Kingdom joined the talks at the start of the current round of negotiations. Find out who they are.

January 11, 2022

Crisis in Lebanon - Austria's 180 Men Help Counter Hezbollah

Foreign Minister Schallenberg is in Lebanon for a working visit to discuss the ongoing crisis the country is facing. Read more about Schallenberg's visit and how Austria plans to help Lebanon.

January 11, 2022

Russian Cultural Diplomacy: 130 Years of Moscow in Vienna

Russian Ambassador to Austria Dmitrij Ljubinskij recently held an event to present a new book on the Russian Embassy in Vienna entitled "Moscow in Vienna: The Palais Nassau - Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Austria." Read about the event and the new book.

January 11, 2022

Joint Statement of the Leaders of the Five Nuclear-Weapon States: Austria's Foreign Minister Calls for Concrete Action

"We finally need concrete progress towards nuclear disarmament according to the obligations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, but unfortunately the development is going in the wrong direction", says Alexander Schallenberg.

January 10, 2022

OPEC: Kuwaiti Al-Ghais Succeeds Nigerian Barkindo as Secretary General

Mr. Haitham Al-Ghais of Kuwait was recently appointed as the next Secretary General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Read more about Mr. Al-Ghais, as well as the accomplishments of his predecessor Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo.

January 10, 2022

United States Ambassador Designate to Austria Kennedy Landed in Vienna: "Good morning, Austria!"

Ambassador-designate Victoria Kennedy has landed in Vienna to assume her role as ambassador of the United States to Austria. Read about Ambassador-designate Kennedy's arrival, her plans for her ambassadorship, and her background.

January 10, 2022

Austrian Economic Delegation Visits UAE and Expo 2020 Dubai

An economic delegation representing Austria visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the World Expo 2020 Dubai. Read about the delegation's official visit to the UAE.

December 22, 2021

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović Meets with Schallenberg

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović recently met with Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Vienna. Read about their discussion of various human rights issues.

December 20, 2021

IAEA’s Grossi Tours the UAE and Egypt

Director General Grossi visited the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi's Western Al Dhafra region and met with H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In Egypt he discussed COP27, climate change and cancer care with President Abdel Fattah Saeed Hussein Khalil El-Sisi.

December 18, 2021

Nehammer on First Trip to Brussels as Chancellor: "I'm an Ardent European"

Chancellor Nehammer made his first trip to Brussels for the European Council and the EU Eastern Partnership Summit. There he met with the other heads of state and government of the EU member states, as well as EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Read what Nehammer discussed on the trip.

December 16, 2021

Austrian Government Opposes Boycott of the China Winter Olympics

The Austrian government has expressed its opposition to a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in China. Read which countries support the boycott and what the Austrian government has said about it.

December 16, 2021

Priorities of Austrian Foreign Policy in the Face of Numerous Global Challenges in 2022

The Foreign Policy Committee of the Austrian National Council recently met to discuss some of the major global challenges going into 2022. Read which issues they discussed and Austria's stance on them.

December 15, 2021

Austrian Foreign Ministry: New Appointments to 28 Senior Diplomatic Posts Worldwide

The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten) has decided in its last meeting of the Council of Ministers the new appointments of several (28) Austrian diplomats - as follows.

December 15, 2021

Portrait: Who Is Robert Malley, the Old and New U.S. Lead Negotiator of the Iran Nuclear Talks?

In 2021, Robert Malley was appointed U.S. Special Envoy for Iran, which means he is once again the lead negotiator for the U.S. in the Iran nuclear talks. Read about Mr. Malley's career and his efforts to limit Iran's nuclear activities.

December 15, 2021

Austria Offers to Build Bridges in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

In the EU Main Committee in the Austrian Parliament, Chancellor Nehammer offered for Austria to be a "bridge-builder" in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Read about the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine and Austria's efforts at de-escalation.

December 14, 2021

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Iranian Embassy Building in Vienna

The Palais Sigray St. Marsan, which houses the Iranian Embassy in Vienna, has a fascinating history dating back to the late 19th century. Learn more about this historical building.

December 14, 2021

Hostage Diplomacy: While Iran Nuclear Negotiations Are Underway in Vienna, Tehran Continues to Hold Two Austro-Iranians Captive

As the details of a resumption of the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA) continue to be discussed in Austria, the host country of the "Iran Nuclear Talks," two Iranian-Austrians, Kamran Ghaderi and Massud Mossaheb, have been imprisoned in Iran for years on charges of alleged espionage.

December 14, 2021

Austria's Foreign Minister after 56 Days in Office Once Again Merely Ambassador in Berlin

After returning control of the Austrian Foreign Ministry to Alexander Schallenberg after only 56 days, former Foreign Minister Michael Linhart is likely to become the new Ambassador to Germany. Read about the chaotic government reshuffle and Mr. Linhart's demotion.

December 14, 2021

International Organizations Continue to Favor Austria as Their Seat

The hosting of international organizations is of great importance for Austrian foreign policy, secures 19,000 jobs and has a gross value added effect of € 1.35 billion per year.

December 13, 2021

Who Is Kazem Gharib Abadi, Iran's Former Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna?

After serving for over three years as Iran's Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna, Kazem Gharib Abadi is now the Vice-President of Iran’s Judiciary for International Affairs and Secretary-General of Iran's High Council for Human Rights. Read more about Mr. Gharib Abadi's career path.

December 13, 2021

Inaugural Statement of Austria's New Chancellor: "We Want to Reconcile with History"

Newly appointed Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer delivered his inaugural statement to the National Council. Read what the new chancellor said are some of the key issues his government will focus on.

December 10, 2021

Li Yong and UNIDO: The Career of a Mainland Chinese in a Multilateral Organization

With the departure of the Chinese Li Yong (70) from the helm of UNIDO, a golfing member of the Communist Party of China has left the influential post of Director General in a major multilateral institution after 8 years in office.

December 9, 2021

Iran Nuclear Talks In Vienna To Be Continued

Negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program and a return to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are set to continue in Vienna. Read about the ongoing effort to save the Iran Nuclear Deal.

December 9, 2021

Wirecard Scandal: Europol Manhunt for Europe's Most Wanted "Marsalek"

Former COO of Wirecard Jan Marsalek, one of Europe's most wanted fugitives, is still the target of an international manhunt for his suspected role in a multi-billion euro fraud scheme. Read about the ongoing search for Marsalek and Europol's 2021 "EU's Most Wanted" campaign.

December 7, 2021

Who Is the New UNIDO Director-General Dr. Gerd Müller?

During the 19th session of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) General Conference, which concluded last Friday, Dr. Gerd Müller, formerly Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development in the Federal Republic of Germany, was confirmed as the new Director General for a period of four years. Gerd Müller of Germany succeeds Li Yong of China. Review Dr. Müller's background and CV.

December 7, 2021

Results of the Nineteenth Session of the General Conference of UNIDO

The 19th session of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) General Conference has taken place at a critical juncture, following the UN Secretary-General’s call for a “Decade of Action” and as countries all over the world strive to recover from the socioeconomic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Also, after eight years at the helm of UNIDO, and in accordance with the two-term limit of UNIDO’s Constitution, Li Yong stood down as Director General during the General Conference.

December 6, 2021

Meet the Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy in Vienna, Ms. Nerys Jones

The Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy in Vienna is Ms. Nerys Jones. Learn more about her extensive career in the foreign service and what she does for the embassy.

December 3, 2021

Additional Millions for the Fight Against Terrorism, Armed Conflict, and the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Austrian government has decided to provide millions of euros to help Tunisia, Libya, Palestine, and Jordan deal with the humanitarian crises they are facing. Read how this aid will be allocated and why Austria believes it is necessary.

December 3, 2021