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

The Kremlin Building Up Diplomatic Ties With The Separatist Territories in Eastern Ukraine

Russia is strengthening its presence in the breakaway territories in eastern Ukraine. The Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic formed in 2014, and since then Ukraine has been in a state of civil war.

May 6, 2022

Meet the New Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Germany to the International Organizations in Vienna

Recently, the new Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Michael Josef Hermann Klor - Berchtold, presented his credentials to the Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. Ambassador Michael Josef Hermann Klor - Berchtold is an experienced diplomat. Meet Ambassador Michael Josef Hermann Klor - Berchtold, the new permanent representative of Germany to the International Organizations in Vienna.

May 6, 2022

Will Russia Hold Referendums in Eastern Ukraine or Step Up Its War Effort

The war in Ukraine is raging and the Ukrainians are defending themselves against the more powerful Russian forces, which, however, have faltered. The question that arises is what strategy Russia will now adopt. There are signs of referendums in eastern Ukraine and of stepping up the Russian war effort.

May 5, 2022

Austrian Foreign Ministry Opens Regional Forum On Minority Issues

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Minorities, the Secretary-General Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the UN Special Rapporteur in charge, Fernand de Varennes, organized the Regional Forum on Minority Issues in Europe and Central Asia.

May 3, 2022

Russia Hides Its Operations in Ukraine From the OSCE

The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine will be suspended, due to the lack of consensus at the OSCE Permanent Council on 31 March 2022 to extend the Mission’s mandate. In the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, Russia torpedoed the OSCE and wants as little international attention as possible on its military operations in Ukraine.

May 2, 2022

Meet the New Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Portugal to the International Organizations in Vienna

Miguel Maria Simões Coelho de Almeida e Sousa, Portugal's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Miguel Maria Simões Coelho de Almeida e Sousa, the new permanent representative of Portugal to the International Organizations in Vienna.

April 29, 2022

Meet the New Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Peru to the International Organizations in Vienna

Luis Alberto Campana Boluarte, Brazil's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Ambassador Boluarte is an experienced diplomat. Meet Ambassador Boluarte, the new permanent representative of Brazil to the International Organizations in Vienna.

April 28, 2022

Austria Professes to be the Official Seat of Many International Organizations

The Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs, Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, today welcomed the more than 80 Permanent Representatives to International Organizations in Vienna for an exchange at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Austria's official residence. The meeting resumes a regular dialogue format that helps strengthen Vienna as a center for diplomacy.

April 27, 2022

Meet the New Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Brazil to the International Organizations in Vienna

Nelson Antonio Tabajara de Oliveira, Brazil's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Ambassador Tabajara de Oliveira is an experienced diplomat. Meet Ambassador Tabajara de Oliveira, the new permanent representative of Brazil to the International Organizations in Vienna.

April 27, 2022

IAEA’s First International Conference on Nuclear Law

The IAEA currently hosts the world's top experts on nuclear law to examine the current nuclear law framework in the changing landscape of technology, opportunities, and challenges. Read more about the importance of the First International Conference on Nuclear Law.

April 26, 2022

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Travels to the Middle East

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg traveled to Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Autonomous Territories to hold Working meetings. The Russian invasion of Ukraine shakes the world. Austria shows itself as a mediator also in regions that are endangered but have moved into the background of attention.

April 26, 2022

Humanitarian Crisis in Mariupol: UN Calls for Immediate Cessation of Fighting

The humanitarian catastrophe in Mariupol continues to escalate, and more and more trapped civilians are fighting for their survival. Now, several UN-Organizations are calling on the Russian war leadership to establish humanitarian escape corridors and to cease hostilities immediately.

April 26, 2022

Women Refugees From Ukraine Particularly At Risk

The war in Ukraine is already in its ninth week. The Russian invasion caused many people to leave the country, especially women and children. These groups are particularly vulnerable to exploitation by criminal structures and others with malicious intentions.

April 25, 2022

Russian Proxies Have Detained OSCE Officials in Donetsk and Luhansk

OSCE special monitoring mission members have been arrested and detained in Donetsk and Luhansk. The OSCE calls for the immediate release of detained OSCE officials.

April 25, 2022

Ukraine: IOM and the Austrian Ministry of the Interior Launch Joint Project for War-Displaced Persons

A joint project of the International Organization for Migration and the Austrian Ministry of the Interior, aims to help Ukrainian protection seekers with numerous assistance offers. The project will run with 400,000 euros until the end of August and can be extended if necessary.

April 25, 2022

How the Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis Affects Life in Vienna

The humanitarian crisis created by Russia's brutal war in Ukraine can now be felt in Vienna. Read how the crisis is affecting life in Vienna.

April 25, 2022

IAEA on the Current Status of Ukraine's Nuclear Security

The Russian aggression on Ukraine threatens Ukraine's nuclear security. A watchful IAEA is monitoring the situation very closely and expressed concern.

April 22, 2022

IAEA Director-General Chief Grossi Will Lead Assistance Mission to Ukraine’s Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant

The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine threatens the country's nuclear security. The country has many nuclear power plants and Russian troops were entrenched in Chernobyl until a few weeks ago. To maintain nuclear safety efforts at Chernobyl, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director-General of the IAEA, will lead an assistance mission to Ukraine’s Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

April 22, 2022

UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Urged the Security Council to Stop the War in Ukraine

The UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Kelly T. Clements called on the United Nations Security Council to put aside its differences and find a solution to end the war in Ukraine. There have already been 5 million people who have fled Ukraine, and there are another 7 million internally displaced.

April 21, 2022

Special Representatives of OSCE Chairman-in-Office Visit Council of Europe

Personal Representatives of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office for tolerance issues visited the Council of Europe. During this visit, meetings were held about Human Rights, Equality and Non-Discrimination. During the meetings, the representatives urged Russia to stop its invasion of Ukraine.

April 21, 2022

IAEA Conference on Enhancing the Sustainability of Nuclear Energy

The IAEA is currently holding a conference about enhancing the sustainability of nuclear energy. In the course of the green energy debate, nuclear energy is seen as playing an important role in a low-carbon future.

April 20, 2022

OSCE Media Freedom Representative, Teresa Ribeiro, Condemns Arrests of Media Workers in Russia

The OSCE Media Freedom Representative denounces the latest arrests of journalists in Russia and calls on Russian authorities to repeal restrictive laws.

April 15, 2022

Opening of the New Office of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Vienna

There is a new International Organization in Vienna. The Permanent Court of Arbitration opened a branch office in Vienna today. Read more about the newest addition to the list of international organizations in Austria.

April 14, 2022

Ukrainian Ambassador Khymynets Thanks Austrian Communities for Hosting Refugees

Ukrainian Ambassador Khymynets thanked Austrian communities for hosting refugees from Ukraine. Close cooperation between Austrian and Ukrainian communities is planned.

April 14, 2022

OSCE Troika Expressed Strong Support to Ukraine and Urges Russia to Stop its Invasion

Numerous states and organizations condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine. The OSCE Troika met with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister and calls on Russia to halt its military aggression against Ukraine.

April 12, 2022

EU Commissioner For Energy in Vienna

The Russian invasion of Ukraine shook global energy markets. The EU Energy Commissioner is in Vienna on Monday and Tuesday to discuss the EU's energy outreach in the context of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.

April 11, 2022

Russian Aggression Against Ukraine Provides Opportunity Against Climate Change

The Russian Invasion of Ukraine has challenged many old structures globally. One of those structures is the energy infrastructure of Europe. The Russian Aggression has put Europe in an energy crisis. This crisis could give momentum to combat climate change.

April 11, 2022

IAEA on the Status of Ukraine's Nuclear Safety

The war in Ukraine threatens the country's nuclear security. Nuclear facilities are becoming the sites of battles with Russian forces. Even as Russian forces reorganize, the IAEA continues to express concern.

April 8, 2022

How the Kremlin Exploits Its Diplomatic Missions in Vienna to Spread Russian Propaganda

Since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has used its diplomatic missions in Vienna and around the world to help spread propaganda and disinformation about the war. Read about this propaganda effort and view some blatant examples of Russian propaganda from the diplomatic missions.

April 6, 2022 · Updated: April 8, 2022; 15:46

UN Excludes Russia from Human Rights Council over Inhumane Crimes in Ukraine

After more and more details about crimes committed by the Russian Army against the Ukrainian population become public, the UN General Assembly is taking action. With a necessary two-thirds majority, the deputies voted for an exclusion from the Human Rights Council. This is not the first time something like this has happened.

April 8, 2022

G7 and OSCE Condemn Russian Aggression Against Ukraine

Since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, many countries are enraged by Putin's actions. The Russian Aggression against Ukraine is ravaging the country. The G7 members strongly condemn Russia's actions. The OSCE expressed its concerns on many issues too.

April 7, 2022

Expulsion: Austria Declares Four Russian Diplomats as "Personae Non Gratae"

Now Austria is joining the trend of European sanctions against Russian diplomats, expelling three members of the Russian Embassy in Vienna and one member of the Russian Consulate General in Salzburg.

April 7, 2022

Russian Ambassador in Vienna Denies Massacre and Reaffirms Kremlin Propaganda

The Russian Ambassador to Austria, Dmitry Lyubinsky (57), has attracted attention in connection with allegations and statements regarding war crimes in Ukraine that are in abrupt contradiction to the realities as currently captured by the "Western" side. Among other things, His Excellency claimed that "Ukrainians are blowing up their own hospitals." Following the, within a few weeks, fourth summons to the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador only let it be known that "for my part, I have categorically rejected all unfounded accusations against the actions of the Russian armed forces and especially against the Russian government."

April 5, 2022

Russian Mission to the OSCE Blocks Ukraine Mandate for OSCE Observers

Russia has blocked the extension of the mandate for the international OSCE observers in Ukraine. The Russian Invasion of Ukraine has decisively changed the situation for the observers there.

April 5, 2022

Iran Blames U.S. for Stalemate in Vienna Nuclear Talks

The Islamic Republic of Iran blames the U.S. for a stalemate in the renewed JCPOA talks in Vienna. Iran accuses the demands of the U.S. as extravagant and exaggerated.

April 5, 2022

European Forum Alpbach Gets Ready for Its 2022 Event

The date for the European Forum Alpbach was recently set by the organizers and will take place between August 21 and September 2. The event, which is a great networking opportunity, is focusing on a new program design this year. If you are interested in what is on the program and which days are best to visit, then read on now.

April 5, 2022

How the Austrian Development Agency Assists in Post-Soviet Conflicts in the South Caucasus

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the South Caucasus states of Armenia and Georgia have been searching for a new political and social identity. The trend goes in the direction of Europe. The EU and Austria are standing by with support.

April 4, 2022

Threatened Former Soviet Republic of Moldova in Focus of Central European Foreign Policy

Moldavia is a country in eastern Europe, located in between Romania and Ukraine. Moldavia has had its troubles with Russia since the disputed Republic of Transnistria takes 50 percent of the land. Russia's invasion of Ukraine leads to a new perspective on security in Europe.

April 4, 2022

U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Iran’s Ballistic Missile-Related Activities

The U.S. imposed sanctions on individuals and entities in Iran, accusing them of supporting Iran's ballistic missile program after suspected Iranian-backed proxies carried out missile attacks on Arab targets in the region.

March 31, 2022

IAEA Director Traveled to Ukraine Regarding Nuclear Safety

Ukraine is ravaged by war and the Russian Invasion threatens due to the fighting the nuclear safety in the eastern European country. IAEA Director-General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, traveled to Ukraine for talks with senior government officials on the planned assistance by IAEA to ensure the safety and security of the country’s nuclear facilities.

March 31, 2022

Space Diplomacy: The Annual Session of the COPUOS Legal Subcommittee

Space is an important future avenue for exploration, research, and commerce. This makes it all the more important for the nations of the world to negotiate these unlimited possibilities and to work out cooperation through diplomatic channels. One of them is the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) of the United Nations Office on Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). The COPUOS organizes a Legal Subcommittee which is held this week.

March 30, 2022

NATO and EU Military Committee Meet Regarding Western Balkans

A joint meeting of the NATO Military Committee and the European Union Military Committee was held to discuss the current security situation in the Western Balkans as well as the EU's ongoing Operation Althea. In the context of the Russian military aggression on Ukraine, stability in the Balkans increases in importance.

March 29, 2022

UNODC and OSCE Support Efforts Against Human Trafficking of Refugees in Ukraine

The Russian Invasion of Ukraine caused a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Many Ukrainians are fleeing the country and are becoming refugees in their neighboring countries. UNODC and OSCE recently showed concern about Human Trafficking and that Ukrainian refugees could become targets of traffickers.

March 29, 2022

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

The Ukrainian Embassy in Vienna has a long and mixed history. In this article you will learn where it is located, who runs it, how it has developed over time and much more. Read on.

March 29, 2022

Russo-Ukrainian War: Charity Concert in Vienna with Message from Zelenskyy

More than 100,000 people came together to show solidarity with the victims of the war in Ukraine. In addition to performances by well-known Austrian bands, a video message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was shown, in which he addressed all the people who stand by Ukraine in such difficult times. At the benefit concert with free admission, donations were collected under the motto "YesWeCare".

March 28, 2022 · Updated: March 29, 2022; 12:32

IAEA and the Nuclear Safety in Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine raises issues about nuclear safety. After several wildfires around the Chernobyl nuclear ruins, possible shelling by Russian forces in the vicinity is now leading to new concerns about the safety of the infamous nuclear power plant. The IAEA expressed its concerns and demands for an agreed framework to provide assistance.

March 25, 2022

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Albania to the International Organizations in Vienna

Eglantina Gjermeni, Albania's new permanent representative, presented her credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Ambassador Gjermeni is an experienced politician and has already served as a minister in her country. Meet Ambassador Eglantina Gjermeni, the new permanent Permanent Representative of Albania to the International Organizations in Vienna.

March 25, 2022

U.S. Ambassador to OSCE Urges Kremlin to "end it now, save the lives of your own soldiers"

The U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE Michael Carpenter urges the Kremlin to end the senseless war in Ukraine and condemned the aggressive tactics of Russia's armed forces in Ukraine.

March 24, 2022

U.S. Ambassador Vicki Kennedy Received at AmCham Austria Welcome Gala Dinner

New U.S. Ambassador Victoria R. Kennedy recently attended an event organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Austria (AmCham Austria), where she spoke about transatlantic trade relations and the Ukraine conflict. Read on to learn more about the event and its participants.

March 24, 2022

The Impact of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine on the Nuclear Talks in Vienna

In the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine new issues emerged in the negotiations for the revival of the JCPOA in Vienna. For the West and Iran, it is important to re-establish the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, despite Russia's diversionary tactics.

March 24, 2022