Vienna International Community - Top Diplomats - Latest Headlines

Read updated news about key diplomats in Vienna's international community,e.g. changes in diplomatic personnel in Austria & at Austrian representations abroad

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

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

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

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

Former Austrian Foreign Minister Kneissl Explains Reasons for Move to Lebanon

Austria's former Foreign Minister and ex-FPÖ politician Karin Kneissl explained at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok why she moved to Lebanon instead of Russia. The ex-politician will take part in a discussion tomorrow on a Russian export route in the Arctic Ocean.

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

Political Consultations between Turkey and Austria, OSCE and European Forum Alpbach

Turkey and Austria held bilateral political consultations in Vienna. The focus was on aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as an exchange of views on Turkiye's EU accession process.

September 4, 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

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

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

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

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

Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg at the European Forum Alpbach 2022

Through its work, the European Forum Alpbach also functions as an interactive, open think tank and a source of inspiration for Austrian politics. Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg is attending the European Forum Alpbach in Tyrol.

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

UNIDO and Japan Cooperation for Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development in Africa

The Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8), which will be held on 27 and 28 August, 2022, in Tunis, is approaching. A series of TICAD8 official side events will be held online from 23 to 26 August by the Vienna-based United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

August 23, 2022

ICARST 2022: Applying Radiation Science and Technology in Everyday Life

The International Conference on Radiation Science and Technology (ICARST) organized by the IAEA will be held this week in Vienna. Determining the presence of microplastics in environmental samples, removing pesticides from agricultural soil and studying how to grow tomatoes in outer space are all possible thanks to radiation techniques and will be discussed.

August 22, 2022

Russian Permanent Representative is Cited to the Austrian Foreign Ministry

Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, reportedly commented in response to a tweet by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanking the U.S. for arms deliveries, saying "No mercy for the Ukrainian people!" The Austrian Foreign Ministry is now summoning Ulyanov to "resolutely stand up against such inflammatory statements."

August 21, 2022

Embassy of Turkey in Vienna Participated in the Program "100 Jahre Bildung für Wien"

Yusuf Yıldız, Counsellor for Education of the Embassy of Turkey in Vienna participated in the program "Come together 100 years of education" organized by the Vienna Directorate of Education on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Vienna Directorate of Education.

August 16, 2022

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

Mohsen Naziri Asl, Iran's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Dennis Thatchaichawalit. Meet Ambassador Naziri Asl, the new permanent representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the International Organizations in Vienna.

August 16, 2022

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

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

August 16, 2022

Grenada's Former Environment Minister to Become UN Climate Secretary

The former environment minister of the Caribbean island nation of Grenada, Simon Stiell, will be the new UN climate chief. The office of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced today in New York that Stiell has been appointed to succeed Patricia Espinosa of Mexico, who held the post from July 20216 to July 16 this year.

August 15, 2022

Diplomatic Relations With Iraq: Austria's Embassy in Baghdad to be Reopened

On 1 September, Austria's embassy in Baghdad will reopen after being vacant since 1991. Western diplomats had left the city at that time, including the Austrian ambassador.

August 11, 2022

New Dilemmas Around Zaporizhzya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine

The nuclear safety and security situation at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzya Nuclear Power Plant is getting more complicated since the shelling of the facility. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, will brief the United Nations Security Council about the nuclear safety situation at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzya Nuclear Power Plant.

August 10, 2022

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

The French Embassy in Vienna is located in a palace on Schwarzenbergplatz and is considered unique worldwide with its "Art Nouveau" style. The beautiful building can look back on a history of over 100 years. Learn more about this historical building.

August 9, 2022

OSCE Announces New Support Programme for Ukraine

During a visit by the OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Secretary General to the Ukrainian capital Kiev, a new support programme for Ukraine was announced. It is designed to assist the Ukrainian government in dealing with the war's immediate threats and risks.

August 8, 2022

Virtual Economic Forum between Tunisia and Austria

A Virtual Economic Forum titled "Tunisia & Austria - Promoting Business & Investment Cooperation", was held online by the Tunisian Embassy in Vienna and the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) in collaboration with the Tunisian Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA Tunisia).

August 7, 2022

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

The Czech Embassy building in Vienna has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Read the captivating story of this beautiful building.

August 4, 2022

Iran Nuclear Talks: Parties Back at the Negotiating Table

The Iranian government, the U.S., and the European Union have resumed their months-long indirect negotiations over Tehran's tattered nuclear deal, despite international inspectors confirming the Iranian regime has begun expanding uranium enrichment.

August 4, 2022

Iran Nuclear Talks: Iranian Delegation Heads to Vienna

An Iranian delegation is set to leave for Vienna for a continuation of nuclear negotiations. Chief negotiator Ali Bagheri and his team will set off within the next few hours, the Iranian government announced today.

August 3, 2022

FIFA and UNODC Against Match-Fixing in Football

For the first time, FIFA and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have conducted a joint international training program to support FIFA's 211 member associations in the fight against match-fixing in football.

August 3, 2022

Ukrainian Ambassador Criticises Austrian Police

The Ukrainian ambassador, Vasyl Khymynets, recently criticised the Austrian police. The police had previously held an internal training event on the subject of Ukraine. Among others, the "Coordination Council of the Organisation of Russian Compatriots" was invited to the event, which played down the war and spread "Russian propaganda". The Ukrainian Embassy is outraged. Read on if you want to learn more about this exciting topic!

August 3, 2022