Latest Headlines about Foreign Diplomatic Missions in Vienna

Read the latest headlines about developments at foreign diplomatic missions (embassies, consulates, etc.) in Vienna and Austria

Meet the New Permanent Observer of the Council of Europe to the International Organizations in Vienna

Hermine Poppeller, the Council of Europe's new permanent observer, presented her credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Hermine Poppeller, the new permanent observer of the Council of Europe to the International Organizations in Vienna.

November 14, 2024

New Bankruptcy in the Signa Group: Signa Development Icon GmbH Will not be Continued

The economic turbulence surrounding the Signa Group shows no sign of abating. The creditor protection association Creditreform announced that Signa Development Icon GmbH has filed for bankruptcy proceedings, which will not be continued in the future. "The Icon Vienna" houses prominent companies and diplomatic missions and is a subsidiary of the Signa Development Selection AG, which had previously filed for insolvency.

November 11, 2024

Focus on Environmental Disasters: Austria and Italy Intensify Cooperation in Environmental Monitoring

At the Italian Embassy in Vienna, international experts and representatives from politics, science, and civil protection discussed innovative methods for monitoring environmental disasters. The event emphasized the urgency of cross-sectoral cooperation and the exchange of scientific findings to overcome global environmental crises.

November 10, 2024

62nd Round of Geneva Talks: Progress and Challenges in the Dialogue on the Conflicts in the South Caucasus

Delegations gathered at the Palais des Nations on November 5 and 6, 2024 for the 62nd round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) on the unresolved conflicts in the South Caucasus. The Geneva talks, which have been convened since 2008 following the Georgian-Russian war, provide a platform for dialog and diplomatic exchange between Georgia, Russia, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and representatives of the EU, OSCE, and the United Nations.

November 6, 2024

Finland Takes Over OSCE Chairmanship in 2025: Focus on Resilience and Support for Ukraine

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen outlined Finland's priorities for the OSCE Chairmanship in 2025 to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna. Finland's approach is based on three central pillars: resilience, support for Ukraine and upholding OSCE principles that have been violated by Russia's actions. This comes at a time when the European security architecture is under severe pressure.

September 25, 2024

Global Peace Photo Award 2024: “Dreams of Childhood” Honored as Peace Photo of the Year

The Global Peace Photo Award ceremony took place in the Austrian Parliament. The peace photo of the year 2024, “Dreams of Childhood”, by photographer and multimedia artist Elisa Iannacone from the UK, was honored.

September 24, 2024

OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum 2024: Focus on Digitalization and Climate Protection

The 31st OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum at the Czernin Palace in Prague focused on the global challenges posed by digital transformation and climate change. Under the theme “Strengthening security and stability in the OSCE area through digital innovation”, the risks and opportunities arising from technological change and climate adaptation were discussed in depth. The forum brought together high-level representatives from governments, international organizations, academia, business, and civil society to debate innovative approaches and policy solutions.

September 17, 2024

IAEA Holds 68th General Assembly in Vienna

The 68th General Assembly of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna has begun, providing an important platform for exchanges between member states on nuclear safety, non-proliferation, and sustainable development. In addition to discussing global issues of nuclear safety and climate change, numerous heads of state and government are taking the opportunity to hold bilateral talks.

September 17, 2024

Azerbaijan's Parliamentary Elections: Lack of Competition and Restricted Fundamental Freedoms Draw International Criticism

On 1 September 2024, early parliamentary elections were held in Azerbaijan, which were sharply criticized by international observers from the OSCE. Despite efficient organization, the election was marked by a lack of political competition and an increasingly repressive political climate, which raised doubts about the democratic legitimacy of the entire process.

September 8, 2024

Meet Germany's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna

Rüdiger Bohn, Germany's Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Rüdiger Bohn, the Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany to the International Organizations in Vienna.

August 20, 2024

European CSDP Offensive: Austrian Handbook Strengthens Security Cooperation in Vietnam

The Austrian Federal Ministry of Defense has published a handbook on the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) since 2009. Due to its success, Austria was asked to make this work available to Asian partner states to promote security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

August 4, 2024

International Headquarters Vienna: Economic Importance and Future Potential

A recently published study by the economic research institute WIFO on behalf of the Austrian Foreign Ministry illustrates the significant financial impact of international organizations in Austria.

July 31, 2024

Algeria, Slovakia and Austria Deepen Economic Relations

A working meeting was held at the Imperial Hotel Vienna, organized by the Algerian Embassy in Austria and Slovakia with the support of the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC).

July 29, 2024

Fights Over Women's and LGBTQI+ Rights at the United Nations

The UN Human Rights Council is currently engaged in heated discussions over the formulation of resolutions concerning the protection of women and LGBTQI+ persons. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Austrian, Volker Türk, expressed his deep concern that established rights are increasingly being called into question.

July 7, 2024

25 Years of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo: An Anniversary of Success and Cooperation

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo celebrates its 25th anniversary and looks back on a quarter of a century of intensive and successful work in the service of peace, democracy, and human rights.

July 1, 2024

Malta Launches OSCE Conference on the Security Implications of Climate Change

A high-level conference on climate change was held in the Maltese capital Valletta, organized by the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). This conference aims to examine the security implications of the climate crisis for the OSCE area and to emphasize the urgent need for cooperative efforts to tackle this global challenge.

June 25, 2024

UN in Vienna to Get Monumental Mural to Promote Sustainable Development

An impressive art project will enrich the skyline of Vienna when a giant mural is created on one of the towers of the Vienna International Center (VIC). In collaboration with the Calle Libre Street Art Festival and the UN family in Vienna, the artwork aims to highlight the importance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping our common future.

June 5, 2024

China's Ambassador Qi Mei On Cooperation Between China and Austria

China and Austria have maintained diplomatic relations since 1971. Chinese Ambassador to Austria Qi Mei spoke about the biggest milestones in cooperation, current challenges, and future potential.

June 5, 2024

UNOOSA and Japan Support New Space Law Legislation Missions in the Philippines and Thailand

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Government of Japan have announced a new phase of their cooperation under the Space Law for New Space Actors project. This successful cooperation, launched in 2021, will enable UNOOSA to provide continuous capacity-building and legal advisory services specifically tailored to the needs of countries in Asia and the Pacific.

May 30, 2024

Ukrainian Embassy in Vienna Protests Against FPÖ Election Poster

The Embassy of Ukraine in Vienna has lodged a formal complaint with the Austrian Foreign Ministry after an election poster by the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) caused outrage.

May 8, 2024

Remembering the Past, Preserving the Future: Liberation Ceremonies in Mauthausen and Melk

In an impressive gathering, thousands of people commemorated the liberation of the Mauthausen concentration camp and its satellite camps to keep the lessons of history alive and fight against forgetting. International delegations, including high-ranking representatives from politics and society, gathered to underline the importance of law and justice and to honor the victims of National Socialism.

May 8, 2024

UK Minister Chris Philp Advocates for Stronger International Cooperation at UN Narcotics Commission in Vienna

The Rt Hon Chris Philp MP, Minister for Crime, Policing, and Fire, represented the United Kingdom at this year's United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) meeting in Vienna. The CND serves as the UN's foremost policymaking body in the sphere of drug control, tasked with overseeing the application of international drug control treaties.

May 2, 2024

Meet India's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna

Shri Shambhu S. Kumaran, India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, and the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Shambhu S. Kumaran, the permanent representative of the Republic of India to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.

April 28, 2024

Malta Champions Enhanced UN-OSCE Cooperation Amidst Global Security Challenges

As Malta takes a prominent stance in international diplomacy by chairing the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), it has vowed to strengthen its collaboration with the United Nations to face what is described as Europe's greatest security challenge since 1945. Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg affirmed the commitment during his address to the UN Security Council in New York City.

April 23, 2024

Reflection on the Diplomatic Posture: France's Ambassador Gilles Pécout Comments

The French Ambassador to Austria, Gilles Pécout, gave a final interview before leaving Austria on the current geopolitical challenges and the position of France and Austria in the face of increasing tensions with Russia.

April 23, 2024

Climate Incentive Programs in the USA: A Magnet for Austrian and International Investors

At an information event in Austria, the U.S. Commercial Service and SelectUSA, together with the American Chamber of Commerce in Austria, provided important insights into the latest U.S. climate incentive programs. The event attracted a large number of Austrian and international investors who learned about the opportunities offered by the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

April 18, 2024

Russia Expels Austrian Diplomats and Threatens Further Measures

In the latest twist in diplomatic relations between Austria and Russia, the Russian Foreign Ministry has declared an Austrian diplomat an "undesirable person". This decision follows the expulsion of two Russian diplomats from Austria in March in connection with allegations of espionage.

April 17, 2024

Seventh OPEC-China Energy Talks in Vienna: Joint Focus on Sustainable Future and Energy Cooperation

The seventh high-level meeting of the OPEC-China Energy Dialogue took place in the Austrian capital. The meeting was hosted by the Secretariat of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), with key representatives from both sides discussing their visions and plans for the future of energy cooperation and sustainable development.

April 2, 2024

Francophonie Forum in Vienna: A Bridge Between Culture, Business and Sport

An event took place in Vienna that underlined the cultural and economic importance of the Francophonie. The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), in close cooperation with the French Embassy in Austria and the French-Austrian Chamber of Commerce (CCFA), organized the forum "L'industrie du sport parle français" ("The sports industry speaks French").

March 21, 2024

Austria Expels Two Russian Diplomats and Austrian Ambassador in Moscow is Summoned

After Austria recently declared two Russian diplomats undesirable persons, Russia is now summoning Austria's ambassador to the Foreign Ministry. This indicates a serious deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two countries. So far, a total of eleven Russian diplomats have been expelled from Austria since 2020

March 14, 2024

Cyprus Concludes Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation

The final session of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) was chaired by Cyprus. Cyprus' engagement in the OSCE FSC impressively illustrates the value of dialog and multilateral cooperation, even in the most difficult times.

March 13, 2024

U.S. Ambassador Kennedy Will Lead Austrian Delegation to Major Investment Summit in the U.S.

In a major announcement from the US Embassy in Vienna, it has been revealed that US Ambassador Victoria Kennedy will lead a high-profile Austrian delegation to this year's SelectUSA Investment Summit. The event, which will take place from June 23-26, 2024 at the prestigious Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, is considered a key platform for promoting foreign direct investment in the United States.

March 10, 2024

Meet Cyprus Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna

Andreas Ignatiou, Cyprus Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, and the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Andreas Ignatiou, the permanent representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.

March 7, 2024

Meet the New Permanent Representative of North Macedonia to the International Organizations in Vienna

Pajo Avirovic, North Macedonia's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Pajo Avirovic, the new permanent representative of the Republic of North Macedonia to the International Organizations in Vienna.

February 28, 2024

Two Years of War in Ukraine: Solidarity and demands for peace from the international community in Vienna

Two years after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the international community remains alarmed and united in its support for Ukraine. The ongoing violence against civilians, including children, and Russia's violation of international human rights norms have sparked concern and outrage around the world. The OSCE and international representatives have spoken out strongly, calling for an end to the war.

February 26, 2024

EU Strengthens Multilateral Diplomacy in Vienna Amid Global Challenges

In a move to bolster multilateral diplomacy and cooperation, the Ambassadors to the Political and Security Committee (PSC) of the Council of the European Union embarked on a significant visit to Vienna. This visit underscores the European Union's aspirations to strengthen its role in the global multilateral and security order, particularly at a time when the world is grappling with multiple crises.

February 22, 2024

Escalation after Navalny's Death: Diplomatic Aftermath Between Austria and Russia

The death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has not only caused international outrage but has also led to a diplomatic dispute between Austria and Russia. An investigation into Navalny's death amidst unjust imprisonment has been also requested by the OSCE in Vienna.

February 20, 2024

Greece Takes Over ICMPD Chairmanship from Türkiye: Reorientation of Migration Partnerships

At a ceremony in Brussels, the chairmanship of the steering group of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) was handed over from Türkiye to Greece. Under the motto "A holistic approach to balanced migration partnerships", high-level representatives came together to discuss the future direction of migration policy.

February 20, 2024

Malta Embarks on OSCE Leadership with Security and Resilience at the Forefront

Malta has officially taken the helm of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for the year 2024, under the leadership of Ian Borg, the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade. At the inaugural session of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, Borg laid out Malta's ambitious agenda aimed at enhancing security and bolstering resilience across the OSCE's expansive region, amid complex global challenges.

January 28, 2024

Intensive Diplomatic Activities of the Iraqi Foreign Minister in Vienna

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein held a series of significant meetings during his official visit to Austria aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and discussing key regional challenges.

January 24, 2024

Meet Israel's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna

David Roet, Israel's Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, and the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, David Roet, the permanent representative of the State of Israel to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.

January 22, 2024

Cyprus Takes Over the Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation

On the international stage, Cyprus has now assumed the Chairmanship of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Cypriot Foreign Minister Dr. Constantinos Kombos opened the meeting in Vienna and outlined Cyprus' priorities for his term.

January 22, 2024

Belarus Refuses OSCE Observation of Parliamentary Elections

The Belarusian authorities have decided not to invite observers from the OSCE to the upcoming parliamentary and local elections. This decision contradicts Belarus' international commitments and highlights concerns about the transparency and democratic standards of the elections.

January 16, 2024

International Observers Highlight Concerns in Serbia's Early Parliamentary Elections

In Serbia's early parliamentary elections, held amidst a politically and socially divided landscape, international observers have raised significant concerns about the fairness and integrity of the electoral process. The OSCE and the European Parliament expressed their criticism. The elections were marked by overwhelming advantages for the ruling party and the dominant involvement of the President, overshadowing the technical efficiency of the voting process.

December 19, 2023

Strengthening Transatlantic Relations: USA and Austria Engage in Strategic Dialogue

The United States and the Republic of Austria held their annual strategic dialogue in Vienna to deepen bilateral cooperation and emphasize shared values.

December 6, 2023

UNOOSA and Japan Foster Space Education with PNST Fellowship for Developing Countries

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), in partnership with the Government of Japan and the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech), is offering a remarkable educational opportunity in the field of nano-satellite technologies.

November 28, 2023

Skopje Hosts OSCE Youth Forum: A Convergence of Young Innovators and Parliamentarians

The OSCE 2023 Chairpersonship, led by North Macedonia, hosted a pivotal Youth Forum in Skopje, focusing on integrating youth perspectives into security, with an emphasis on entrepreneurial and innovative solutions for fostering peace, dialogue, justice, trust, and reconciliation.

November 15, 2023

China and OPEC Cement Economic Ties for a Sustainable Energy Future

In a landmark progression for global energy relations, China and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have significantly deepened their partnership, moving from a historical ideological alliance to a robust economic collaboration. This shift is set to have far-reaching implications for market stability and the sustainable development of the global energy sector.

November 9, 2023

Discussion on European Elections 2024 with Prominent Guests

In Vienna, a significant event was held at the House of the European Union to kick off the 2024 European elections. Among the renowned speakers were Dr. Othmar Karas, First Vice President of the European Parliament, Dr. Thomas Zehetner from WWF, and Dr. Clemens Pig from the Austria Press Agency (APA). The discussion focused on four central topics: Democracy, Climate Protection, Digitalization, and Education. In parallel, the new initiative "gemeinsamfuer.eu" was presented.

October 30, 2023

Meet the Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the United Nations in Vienna

Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Kazakhstan's Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Mukhtar Tileuberdi, the permanent representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.

October 24, 2023