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

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

OSCE Condemns Russian Aggression on Mariupol and Ukraine

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office Zbigniew Rau and Secretary-General Helga Maria Schmid condemned the ongoing violence that Russian forces committed in Ukraine and the city of Mariupol. Meanwhile Russia's ambassador to the United Nations has denied that Russia was involved in the attack on a theatre in besieged Mariupol.

March 23, 2022

Canada and Austria: Current State of Political and Trade Relations

Relations between Canada and Austria continue to develop. A brief analysis of economic, academic and political relations.

March 23, 2022

The Ukraine Invasion and India: Schallenberg in New Delhi

Foreign Minister Schallenberg visited India to hold talks in the capital New Delhi. In addition to other regional and international security policy topics of discussion, the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine will be the main topic.

March 21, 2022

Western Balkans Trip for New Momentum against Destabilization by Russia and China

The Balkans were plagued by war 30 years ago. When Yugoslavia collapsed, the first war in Europe after World War II occurred. A policy of stability in this region is particularly important, especially in the backdrop of the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. Recently Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer as well as many other European politicians have traveled to the Balkan states to talk to the most important politicians and dignitaries. The EU and the U.S. have long been the central players in the Western Balkans and want to counter Russia's and China's influence in the region.

March 18, 2022

Cultural Diplomacy: Year of Literature to Improve International Networking of Austrian Authors

Cultural diplomacy reveals the soul of a nation and does play an important role. The Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs is launching the International Year of Literature to promote dialogue projects with Austrian authors abroad and thus position them more internationally.

March 18, 2022

IAEA Staff Association Ball 2023: The History of the UN Ball in Vienna

Vienna's history has one special sort of cultural event season every year. One important ball for the international community is the IAEA Staff Association Ball, which has become an integral part of Vienna's traditional ball calendar. The next IAEA Staff Association Ball will take place on the 11 of February 2023.

March 17, 2022

Ukrainian Ambassador in Vienna: "We need humanitarian assistance"

The war in Ukraine has been going on for several weeks and the humanitarian crisis is a new challenge for Europe. The Ukrainian Ambassador to Austria, Vasyl Khymynets, met with the Governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, and Provincial Councilor Martin Eichtinger for talks at the Palais Niederösterreich in Vienna. The discussion focused on Russia's violations of human rights and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

March 17, 2022

Meet the New Ambassadors of the UAE, North Macedonia, Libya, Indonesia, Peru and Laos to Austria

The new Ambassadors of the United Arab Emirates (H.E. Mr. Hamad Ali Mohammed Subaih Alkaabi), North Macedonia (H.E. Mr. Osvit Rosoklija), Libya (H.E. Mr. Osama Abduljalil Ahmed Abdulhadi), Indonesia (H.E. Mr. Damos Dumoli Agusman), Peru (H.E. Mr. Luis Alberto Campana Boluarte), and Laos (H.E. Mr. Khonepheng Thammavong) to Austria presented their credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about these new ambassadors.

March 16, 2022

Support for Refugee Women and Children in Response to Russian Aggression and Violation of International Law

The Commission on the Status of Women (CMS) is currently meeting in New York. The main focus this year is on the problems of Ukrainian women and girls who are fleeing from Russian aggression in Ukraine. Austria's Minister for Women's Affairs, Susanne Raab, condemns the Russian war of aggression in a statement of the EU ministers and demands an immediate withdrawal of the troops.

March 16, 2022

Meet Chad Blackman, the New Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Barbados to the International Organizations in Vienna

The Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations in Vienna, Chad Blackman, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly. In addition to being the Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations in Vienna, Mr. Blackman is serving as the Permanent Representative of Barbados to the WTO and UN Offices at Geneva and as the Ambassador of Barbados to Austria and Serbia. Learn more about Ambassador Blackman.

March 15, 2022

Moldavia Next Threatened Conflict Region: Austria Deploys Crisis Team

Due to the ongoing Russian war on Ukraine and the massive impact of the related humanitarian need on the immediate neighboring states, the Austrian Federal Government is sending a crisis team to the particularly affected Republic of Moldova. Read on to find out what the crisis team consists of and how it will support the Austrian Embassy.

March 15, 2022

Energy Supply: Liquefied Natural Gas from Qatar, Instead of Pipeline Gas from Russia

Chancellor Nehammer visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar with the intention of lessening Austria's dependency on Russian natural gas for energy. Read about the chancellor's visit and how liquefied natural gas could help solve this issue.

March 11, 2022

Austrian Minister for Europe for Reassessment of EU Defense and Security Architecture

At a meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in France, the Austrian Minister for Europe, Karoline Edtstadler, called for a reassessment of the EU Defense and Security Architecture. Read what Minister Edtstadler said about this and Ukrainian accession to the EU.

March 10, 2022

Schallenberg in Brussels Condemns Playing with Nuclear Fire

At a special meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, Foreign Minister Schallenberg condemned the Russian shelling of a nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Read more about this special meeting and what was discussed there.

March 10, 2022

War in Ukraine: Athens Seeks Talks in Vienna

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias visited Vienna to discuss the intensifying war between Russia and Ukraine. Read about his meetings with various officials and watch the joint press conference with Foreign Minister Schallenberg.

March 10, 2022

How Russian State-Controlled Media Use Disinformation Campaigns to Influence Democratic Processes in Austria and Beyond

Russia uses its state-controlled media outlets to help push disinformation campaigns in Austria and around the world. Read how the Kremlin spreads disinformation through the media.

March 9, 2022

How Gazprom Helps the Kremlin to Manipulate Austria

The Russian government uses the majority state-owned energy corporation Gazprom to exploit Europe's dependency on Russian natural gas, and Austria is no exception. Read how the Kremlin uses Gazprom to influence Austria.

March 8, 2022

Strategic Partnership Update Between the United States and Austria

In light of the unprovoked and premeditated war against Ukraine, during bilateral consultations at the State Department in Washington, D.C., and at the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, Secretary General at the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the presence of U.S. Ambassador to Austria Victoria Reggie Kennedy, issued a Joint Statement on the Strategic Dialogue between the United States and Austria, setting forth a strategic partnership between the two countries and a plan to continue the dialogue.

March 8, 2022

US Ambassador Kennedy Meets Austrian Officials to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

US Ambassador to Austria Victoria Kennedy has been meeting with various Austrian officials, including President Van der Bellen, Chancellor Nehammer, Foreign Minister Schallenberg, and Interior Minister Karner. Read what the ambassador is doing to strengthen bilateral ties between the US and Austria.

March 4, 2022

Ukraine Invasion: Austria Demands Compliance with Humanitarian Law and the Securing of Civilian Corridors

Austria is demanding that Russia comply with humanitarian law and create secure corridors for civilians to leave Ukraine and international organizations to send aid in. Read what Chancellor Nehammer and Foreign Minister Schallenberg said about this and watch their joint press conference.

March 3, 2022

IAEA Board of Governors Emergency Meeting Condemns Unprovoked Attacks Against Ukraine

At an emergency meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors, the Board condemned the unprovoked attacks against Ukraine and discussed the status of the nuclear safeguards in Ukraine. Read more about the Board's meeting and the current situation regarding Ukraine's nuclear power plants.

March 3, 2022

UN General Assembly: 141 States Condemn Russian Aggression and Rights Violations against Ukraine

By a large majority, the UN General Assembly has condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine. 141 states voted in favor of a resolution to this effect and demanded Russia's withdrawal from the country. Austria was represented by its UN Ambassador.

March 2, 2022

Austria's UN Ambassador Questions Whether the System of Veto Powers Is Still Capable of Governing Relationships

At an emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly, Austrian Ambassador to the UN, Alexander Marschik, questioned whether the veto power provided to the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council undermines its ability to uphold international law. Read more of what the ambassador said regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

March 1, 2022

Attack on Ukraine: Austria Extends Aid from Foreign Disaster Fund to a Total of 17.5 Million Euros

The Austrian government has approved another 15 million euros in humanitarian aid for Ukraine from the Foreign Disaster Fund. Read about how the money will be allocated and the daunting projections that suggest Ukraine will almost certainly need more foreign aid.

March 1, 2022

IAEA Warns of Nuclear Accidents During Ukraine Invasion

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), four nuclear facilities of the country have already been affected by the Russian attacks in Ukraine. Read what the incidents are and what the current status of the damage is.

March 1, 2022

Russo-Ukrainian War: First Effects of Western Sanctions on Russian Economy

The Russian economy is already beginning to feel the effects of the Western sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine. Read what effects the sanctions are having on the economy.

February 28, 2022

Austria Before the OSCE Council: "War Is Raging on the European Continent"

Foreign Minister Schallenberg addressed the OSCE Council and made an urgent appeal for Russia to halt its war on Ukraine and return to the negotiating table. Read what Schallenberg said about the intensifying conflict in Ukraine.

February 25, 2022

Russo-Ukrainian War: Austria Sticks to its Role as Bridge Builder

As the fighting between Russia and Ukraine is intensifying, Austria remains committed to trying to build bridges and encouraging dialogue between the two sides. Read about Chancellor Nehammer's intense phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his discussion about the conflict with Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder.

February 25, 2022

Meet the New Resident Representative of Indonesia to the International Organizations in Vienna, HE Dr. Damos Dumoli Agusman

The new Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the International Organizations in Vienna is Mr. Damos Dumoli Agusman. Learn more about Ambassador Agusman.

February 23, 2022

Media Freedom Representative on Rapidly Declining Space for Cross-border Journalism and the Assault on Press Freedom

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, expresses her concern about the shrinking space for media workers to conduct their journalistic work abroad.

February 23, 2022

Meet the New Resident Representative of Romania to the International Organizations in Vienna, HE Mr. Stelian Stoian

The new Permanent Representative of Romania to the International Organizations in Vienna, Mr. Stelian Stoian, recently presented his credentials to the heads of the various organizations. Learn more about Mr. Stoian.

February 23, 2022

Iranian Foreign Minister and Iran's Chief Negotiator in Vienna Optimistic on Nuclear Talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Tehran is serious about reaching an agreement, but the West must be realistic. Earlier, Iran's chief negotiator at the nuclear talks in Vienna, Ali Bagheri Kani, also expressed optimism about the progress of negotiations.

February 23, 2022

The Formation of an Anti-Trafficking Alliance in the Framework of the Joint Coordination Platform

Interior Minister Karner recently hosted the Return Ministerial Conference in Vienna to discuss European migration issues. Read about the conference and the formation of an Anti-trafficking alliance.

February 22, 2022

Russian Ambassador in Vienna Lyubinsky Summoned to the Foreign Ministry

Following the recognition of Donetsk and Lugans and due to the escalation of the situation in Ukraine, the Russian Ambassador in Vienna, Dmitry Lyubinsky, has been summoned to the Austrian Foreign Ministry.

February 22, 2022

Austria's Reaction to Putin's Disrespect for the Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty of Eastern Ukraine

Following President Putin's decision to recognize the independence of Luhansk and Donetsk in the Donbas region of Ukraine and to send "peacekeeping troops" to these areas, the Austrian government's Crisis Cabinet met to discuss how to respond. Read what Chancellor Nehammer said about the act of Russian aggression and what Austria will do.

February 22, 2022

Schallenberg Met Baerbock - Shared Responsibility Against the Aggression of the Kremlin

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock met with Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Berlin to discuss the tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as well as climate action and the Western Balkans. Read what the two foreign ministers said about these issues.

February 21, 2022

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Austria Dispatches Crisis Team

The Kremlin apparently wants to justify further aggression with provocations in eastern Ukraine. Due to the escalating situation in eastern Ukraine, Austria has sent a crisis team to Ukraine. In addition to specialists from the Cobra task force, the team also includes experts from the foreign and defense ministries.

February 20, 2022

After the African Union Summit: Austria Provides €5 Million in Total to Alleviate Migration Pressure

Following the 6th European Union - African Union Summit, Austria announced that it would provide € 5 million in humanitarian aid to Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Tunisia. Read about Austria's efforts to alleviate some of the migration pressure caused by conflicts in Africa.

February 18, 2022

Russia Sustains Conflict in Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics in Eastern Ukraine

Russian-backed separatists reportedly began shelling an area near the "contact line" in Eastern Ukraine. Read about the recent incident and why Chancellor Nehammer and EU High Representative Josep Borrell are "very worried."

February 18, 2022

Austria to Poland: "No compromise on the rule of law"

EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler made Austria's position on the rule of law dispute between the EU and Poland very clear in a meeting with her Polish counterpart. Read what Edtstadler said about Austria's support for the rule of law in the EU.

February 17, 2022

What Are the Minsk Agreements and Can They Help De-escalate the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Some leaders have suggested that the Minsk Agreements could provide a path to a diplomatic solution to the current tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Read more about the Minsk Agreements and if they really do provide a viable solution to the Ukraine crisis.

February 16, 2022

EU - African Union Summit as Driver for Strengthened Economic Partnership between African Countries and Austria

Austria plans to use the upcoming European Union - African Union Summit as a means to strengthen the economic partnership between African countries and Austria. Read more about Austria's plans for strengthening cooperation with Africa.

February 15, 2022

Disinformation and Propaganda: How Russia Reverses Reports of International Media

The Russian Foreign Ministry has claimed that Western media is spreading disinformation to unfairly paint Russia as an aggressor towards Ukraine. Read how Russia manipulates Western media sources to create its own narrative.

February 14, 2022

Ukraine Crisis: OSCE Special Monitoring Mission Obstructed in Ukraine

The United States and European Union have expressed concern that the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine continues to face restrictions to its freedom of movement in Ukraine. Read about the latest impediment to the SMM's monitoring ability and what the US and EU said about it.

February 11, 2022

Head of UN Women Discusses Deteriorating Situation Under Oppressive Taliban Rule

UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous discussed the distressing situation for women in Afghanistan under the Taliban with the Austrian Minister for Women Susanne Raab. Read more about their conversation.

February 11, 2022