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

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Denmark to the OSCE in Vienna

Christian Gronbech-Jensen, Denmark's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Christian Gronbech-Jensen, the new permanent representative of Denmark to the International Organizations in Vienna.

September 18, 2022

Austrian Chancellor Nehammer in New York

As part of his New York trip, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will participate in the UN General Debate, the "Transforming Education Summit" and bilateral working talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and various heads of government.

September 18, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Bilateral Diplomacy in Vienna

The Find out more about this week's developments. Diplomacy is back from the summer break in Vienna. The bilateral relations in Vienna produced some meetings, demonstrating that diplomacy is always present in Vienna. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

September 15, 2022

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations in Vienna

Bharat Kumar Regmi, Ambassador-Designate of Nepal to Austria and Nepal's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Bharat Kumar Regmi, the new permanent representative of Nepal to the International Organizations in Vienna.

September 15, 2022

State of the EU 2022 Speech: Austria Wants to Usher in a Modern EU Future

The State of the EU address by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed many acute issues, including the war in Ukraine and its international repercussions. Austria's Minister for Europe responded.

September 15, 2022

Strengthening Italian-Austrian Economic Relations: Italy Receives Austrian Federal President

With a delegation of business representatives, Austria's Federal President, Alexander Van der Bellen, visited Rome this week. The delegation of Austrian entrepreneurs was led by Harald Mahrer, President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. A major focus of the companies accompanying the delegation was renewable energies, where Italy as a major trading partner is expected to offer some lucrative contracts.

September 15, 2022

Austro-Arab Chamber Organised the “Ambassadors’ Meeting at Vienna School for International Studies”

The Vienna School of International Studies hosted the "Ambassadors' Meeting at Vienna School of International Studies", organized by the Austro-Arab Chamber (AACC).

September 14, 2022

Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Women's Museum Hittisau Launch Project "Calliope. Join the dots"

With "Calliope. Join the dots", the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Women's Museum Hittisau are launching a joint project that is intended to inspire as a platform for outstanding Austrian women, as well as to promote equality and renew Austria's image abroad.

September 14, 2022

Czech Embassy Opens New Exhibition "Das musische Wien"

A vernissage was held recently to open a special exhibition at the Czech Embassy in Vienna titled "Artistic Vienna".

September 14, 2022

UK Embassy in Vienna Opened Book of Condolence

The Embassy of the United Kingdom has opened a condolence visit at the British Residence in Vienna for all those who wish to pay their respects.

September 13, 2022

Medal Award Ceremony in Vienna Strengthens Chinese-Austrian Relations

Several individuals who helped strengthen Chinese-Austrian relations were honored with Rosthorn Medals 2022 recently at Palais Epstein. Werner Fasslabend, Margareta Griessler-Hermann, LI Xiaosi, the ambassador of the People's Republic of China, and Gottfried Sodeck, an entrepreneur, received them this year.

September 13, 2022

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Presents the Ars Electronica Award for Digital Humanity

Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg presented the Ars Electronica Award for Digital Humanity at the annual Ars Electronica Festival. The award, initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2021, honors projects that demonstrate the importance of cultural exchange for the development of a society-oriented, digital world.

September 11, 2022

Liechtenstein Foreign Minister Dominique Hasler Visited Austria

Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg received the Foreign Minister from the Principality of Liechtenstein, Dominique Hasler, for a working meeting in Vienna. The exchange focused on bilateral issues, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the status of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans and cooperation in multilateral affairs. In addition to the bilateral meeting, there was the annual Liechtenstein Reception at the Gartenpalais Liechtenstein.

September 11, 2022

Global Business Campaign ReFocus Austria to Be Continued

A lot of attention was given this year's Ambassadors' Conference in Vienna to Austria's export economy as well as to ReFocus Austria, the successful economic campaign that has now been continued.

September 9, 2022

Austrian Appointed as New UN High Commissioner for Human Rights 

The new Human Rights High Commissioner for the UN is Austrian lawyer Volker Türk. On the proposal of Secretary-General Guterres, the 57-year-old was appointed to succeed the previous Commissioner Bachelet by the United Nations General Assembly. Türk had previously served as Assistant Secretary-General.

September 9, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Latest Developments in Diplomacy

The Find out more about this week's developments. Austrian policymakers are concerned with inflation and energy issues. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

September 8, 2022

Austrian Dignitaries Met Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer met with former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Vienna at the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens. The Ban Ki-moon Centre awards scholarships to women and youth to promote the idea of global citizenship and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the UN's 2030 Agenda.

September 8, 2022

Austro-Arab Chamber Strengthens Relations with Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Egypt

The Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) strengthened its relations with Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Egypt. The AACC Secretary-General Mouddar Khouja met with important ambassadors and dignitaries from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Egypt.

September 7, 2022

Austria's Foreign Ministry Launches International Initiatives on the Topic of "Culture of the Future"

The 2022 Foreign Culture Conference on the theme of "Future Culture" was held in the Expedithalle of the Ankerbrot Factory in Vienna. It is primarily about eco-social, digital and ethical challenges and how these can be creatively solved with the help of art.

September 7, 2022

Austria Helps Flood Victims in Pakistan

Following massive flooding in Pakistan as a result of the heavy monsoon rains that have been continuing for many weeks, the Austrian government is providing support on the ground with payments from the Austrian Foreign Ministry's Foreign Disaster Fund. Two million euros in emergency aid from the State Department's Foreign Disaster Fund will help Pakistan with the humanitarian crisis triggered by the climate disaster.

September 7, 2022

IAEA Warns of Nuclear Accident at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant

The IAEA is highly alarmed by conditions at the Russian-occupied Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhya, where staff overload and central warning and alarm systems threaten human error that could trigger a nuclear accident. To secure Europe's largest nuclear power plant, immediate measures, including a safety zone around the plant, are to be introduced to prevent a disaster.

September 6, 2022

OSCE Marks 10 Years of the Ljubljana Guidelines

The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) established the Ljubljana Guidelines on Integration of Diverse Societies 10 years ago to address challenges associated with managing integration processes in diverse societies. Today marks the 10th anniversary of this comprehensive set of guidelines.

September 6, 2022

Honduras Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina García Visits Vienna

The Foreign Minister of Honduras, Eduardo Enrique Reina García, met the Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg for a working meeting in Vienna. The discussions focused on bilateral and economic relations between Austria and Honduras, multilateral issues, as well as regional developments in Latin America. In addition the Foreign Minister of Honduras met with IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi.

September 6, 2022

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the OSCE in Vienna

Jean Graff, Luxembourg's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Secretary-General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in Vienna, Helga Maria Schmid. Meet Ambassador Jean Graff, the new permanent representative of Luxembourg to the OSCE in Vienna.

September 5, 2022

OPEC+ Decides on Slight Cut in Production

The alliance of oil exporting countries cuts production. Saudi Arabia and Russia are sending a clear signal to the West. With the cutback, the hopes of oil importers in Europe that they would at least be relieved of the burden of crude oil in the face of rapidly rising gas prices are fading.

September 5, 2022

Austrian Foreign Ministry Opens Ambassadors Conference 2022

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed the ambassadors to this year's Ambassadors' Conference of the Austrian Foreign Ministry, which takes place in Vienna and Klosterneuburg. The week-long conference brings together the heads of Austrian embassies and permanent representations to intensify the exchange among themselves and with their colleagues in Vienna.

September 5, 2022

Cultural Diplomacy: Viennese Ladder to Heaven Will Shine in Münster, Germany

As already announced by the Austrian Ambassador in Berlin, Michael Linhart, on Twitter, the art installation by Billi Thanner known as Ladder to Heaven (Himmelsleiter) is now on display in Münster in Germany.

September 4, 2022

Weekly Briefing: IAEA Finally Sent Mission to Ukraine

The Find out more about this week's developments. The IAEA finally sent its mission to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant and will build a continued presence at the nuclear site. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

September 1, 2022

Austrian Remembrance Service Turns 30

The Gedenkdienst or Austrian Remembrance Service is an Austrian voluntary service celebrating its 30th anniversary since its launch. The Gedenkdienst deals with the causes and consequences of National Socialism and its crimes in Austria and the world and tries to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust in a dignified way.

September 1, 2022

IAEA Will Maintain a Continued Presence at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant

Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) began inspecting Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power. As IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Twitter, some of his colleagues will stay at the power plant site for several days and establish a continued IAEA presence.

September 1, 2022

OSCE's Dilemma over Bulgaria's Parliamentary Elections

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) opened its election observation mission on the 2 October early parliamentary elections in Bulgaria, following an official invitation from the national authorities. The OSCE mission will face political turmoil in a country fighting corruption, threatened to be overshadowed by Russian influence and the war in Ukraine

August 31, 2022

Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg at the Informal EU Foreign Ministers Meeting in Prague

Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg took part in the Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Prague. The talks once again focused on the Russian war against Ukraine and its global repercussions. Among other things, a general ban on Russian citizens entering the European Union was discussed, which Austria is critical of.

August 31, 2022

Head of Yad Vashem Visits Vienna

On the occasion of his visit to Vienna, Dani Dayan, the director of the Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, comments on Corona demonstrations, and Austria's role in the Holocaust and met with high-ranking Austrian politicians.

August 31, 2022

CTBTO's Executive Secretary and Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister Reaffirm Commitment to Nuclear Weapons Free World

In a joint statement, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi and CTBTO Executive Secretary Robert Floyd reaffirmed their commitment to a nuclear weapons-free world. In a joint statement released on Aug. 29 to mark the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, the two reiterated their determination to enact the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

August 30, 2022

Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg at the Bled Strategic Forum

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg took part in the 17th Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, which this year was held under the motto "The rule of power or the power of rules? At the forum, the Foreign Minister spoke about the geopolitical consequences for Europe triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and held several bilateral talks focusing on the Western Balkans.

August 30, 2022

Turmoil in Kosovo: Diplomacy Mediating a Reigniting Conflict

Serbia and Kosovo have resolved the ethnic issue of the movement of citizens of both countries across their borders, said the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, and the negotiators still have to resolve the burning issue of car registration plates. In recent weeks, the conflict seemed to tighten, however, to find out what exactly it was about, read more!

August 30, 2022

Hostage Diplomacy: Austrian Imprisoned in Iran Released

Austrian Massud Mossaheb, who has been imprisoned in Iran for more than three years, has been released from prison. The 76-year-old Iranian-Austrian dual citizen has just been released on medical grounds.

August 29, 2022

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations in Vienna

Talal Alfassam, Kuwait's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Dennis Thatchaichawalit. Meet Ambassador Talal Alfassam, the new permanent representative of Kuwait to the International Organizations in Vienna.

August 29, 2022

IAEA Finally Sends Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power

After months of negotiations and back and forth, the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine is finally setting off from Vienna. The mission itself is headed by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and the Agency is proud of the diplomatic success.

August 29, 2022

Austrian Chancellor Nehammer Calls for EU-27 to Stand Together for European Electricity Price Cap

Given the sharp rise in energy prices, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer is calling for a European electricity price cap to "finally" put a stop to "this madness that is currently taking place on the energy markets. According to Nehammer. this is only possible through a European solution.

August 29, 2022

High Representative Josep Borrell at European Forum Alpbach

The theme of "The New Europe" is the focus of this year's European Forum Alpbach. One of the most prominent guests is Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. During his appearance, he spoke about the future of Europe, the war in Ukraine and the future challenges for the European Union.

August 28, 2022

Vienna Humanities Festival at Vienna City Hall Focusing on Threats to Democracy and War in Ukraine

In this year's Vienna Humanities Festival, the theme is "The Age of Uncertainty – Zeitenwende" which focuses on the war in Ukraine and the crisis of democracy. The 25 lectures and talks will take place from 27.9.- 2.10. at Vienna City Hall.

August 28, 2022

Meeting between French President Macron and IAEA Chief Grossi

French President Emmanuel Macron received the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi. The meeting between the two dignitaries focused on the threat posed by Russia's war against Ukrainian civilian nuclear facilities. Macron assured the IAEA Director General of France's support in the IAEA's upcoming mission to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant.

August 28, 2022

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Conference Ends Without Result

The four-week Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference in New York ended inconclusively. The conference failed to implement its disarmament commitments in the face of strong opposition from nuclear-armed states. In the end, Russia vetoed even the minimal result of a joint final declaration. Austria also reacted with disappointment to the inconclusive ending.

August 28, 2022

Meeting between Austria's Chancellor Nehammer and Italy's Prime Minister Draghi in Merano Canceled

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the second South Tyrolean autonomy statute, the meeting between Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi will not take place as planned.

August 25, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Latest Developments in and Around Diplomacy

The Find out more about this week's developments. Last week was turbulent for the most important matters of diplomacy in Vienna. The war in Ukraine, the European Forum Alpbach or the efforts of international organizations in Vienna towards peaceful solutions shows once again how multifaceted diplomacy is. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

August 25, 2022

Former Austrian Foreign Minister Kneissl Causes a Stir with a Tweet About Russia and Putin

Former Foreign Minister and FPÖ politician Karin Kneissl, who danced with Putin at her wedding in 2018, caused a stir with a tweet about the Ukraine war. Kneissl, who was considered to have good connections to Russia, was even on the supervisory board of the Russian oil company Rosneft until May.

August 25, 2022

Rosatom and IAEA Negotiate over Inspection for Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant

Russia's atomic energy agency Rosatom and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have discussed details of a possible IAEA inspection at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which is controlled by Russian troops. IAEA Chairman Rafael Grossi and Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev exchanged "detailed views on all issues related to the planned IAEA mission," according to a Rosatom statement.

August 24, 2022

Ukraine Hosts Crimean Platform While Russian Invasion

The format, which was launched in 2021 to counter diplomatically the Russian annexation of Crimea, takes place this year virtually in the shadow of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This year's Crimea Platform summit was attended online by many international guests, including OSCE's Helga Maria Schmid and Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.

August 24, 2022

OSCE's Dilemma over Bosnia and Herzegovina’s General Elections

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 2 October parliamentary elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The OSCE mission is taking place in a country deeply scarred by war, now in the shadow of the Ukraine war and after a turbulent past few months of political conflict between the ruling parties in the country.

August 24, 2022