Eastern European Countries and Austria | Bilateral Relations

Austria and Eastern European countries - Latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, business, diplomacy, culture and tourism

Orbán's Controversial Visit to Vienna: Talks, Alliances and Criticism

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's visit to Vienna caused a stir across Europe and highlighted the ideological tensions within the EU. His meetings with FPÖ representatives and the discussions about the war in Ukraine and the future of Europe divided opinion between supporters of national sovereignty and advocates of European integration.

Yesterday

Raiffeisen Bank International: Consolidated Profit Excluding Belarus, Russia at 856 Million Euros

Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) is successfully continuing its strategy of reducing risks in challenging markets and was able to present a solid performance for the first nine months of this year despite the withdrawal from Russia and Belarus. Adjusted consolidated profit, which was calculated without contributions from these two countries, amounted to EUR 856 million. RBI thus remains stable, while at the same time implementing its withdrawal plan from the Russian business.

October 29, 2024

OPEC Fund Intensifies Global Development Cooperation with New Financing Commitments

The OPEC Fund for International Development has announced significant financing commitments of around half a billion US dollars at the 2024 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings to support climate action, food security, and infrastructure in various partner countries.

October 28, 2024

Maria Todorova and Balkan Research: “Mission Possible” in Vienna

Renowned historian Maria Todorova held a series of lectures in Vienna entitled “The Balkans: Mission Possible”, in which she presented new perspectives on the complex history and culture of the Balkans. The lectures, part of the IWM Lectures in Human Sciences, challenged common stereotypes and highlighted the region as a dynamic and culturally rich area.

October 27, 2024

Georgian Parliamentary Elections Characterized by Unevenness and Tension

Widespread tensions, political polarization, and numerous concerns about fairness marked the recent parliamentary elections in Georgia. While voters had a choice of 18 parties and lists, international election observers, including the OSCE and the Council of Europe, criticized the conditions as unequal and prone to manipulation. In particular, the controversial Foreign Influence Transparency Act, introduced shortly before the elections, exacerbated the conflict and significantly impaired the independence of civil society.

October 27, 2024

Magnus Brunner Pleads for Schengen Accession of Bulgaria and Romania

In a published document, the designated EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, has spoken out clearly in favor of Bulgaria and Romania's full admission to the Schengen area. Brunner emphasized that both countries meet all the necessary conditions for accession and called for the EU Council to abolish the remaining border controls.

October 24, 2024

Discussion on the Sobieski Monument in Vienna Continues

The discussion about a monument to King Jan III Sobieski in Vienna has picked up speed again. Since 2013, there have been calls for a monument to be erected on the Kahlenberg to the Polish king, who played a key role in saving Vienna from the Ottoman siege in 1683. Despite the failure of these efforts to date, in September 2024 the Polish embassy once again appealed to the relevant authorities to pay due tribute to this important chapter in European history.

October 21, 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

Austria's Schallenberg and Ukraine's Sybiha with Talks on Solidarity and Peace

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha met in Vienna. This visit marked a key moment in Sybiha's first trip abroad, during which he represented Ukraine in neighboring countries. Having already visited Romania, Sybiha's tour now took him to Austria, where the focus was on support for Ukraine and the international peace process.

September 24, 2024

Magnus Brunner Becomes EU Migration Commissioner: A Challenge for the ÖVP and Europe

From the world of finance to migration – Austria's outgoing Finance Minister Magnus Brunner is taking on one of the toughest jobs in the European Union: EU Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs. This decision has sparked both surprise and skepticism, especially within Austrian politics and the media.

September 19, 2024

Record Rainfalls Caused Flood Disaster in Austria

Over the past few days, Austria has experienced extreme rainfall that has broken numerous rainfall records and led to widespread flooding. The federal states of Lower Austria, Upper Austria, and Vienna were particularly affected, with many weather stations recording several hundred millimeters of rain in just a few days.

September 17, 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

Vienna Receives Slovakian President: Deepening Relations and Discussion on Sanctions

Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini visited Austria as part of his official inaugural visit. It was his fourth bilateral trip to one of Slovakia's neighboring countries, having previously visited the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary.

September 11, 2024

Closing of the European Forum Alpbach 2024: Europe's Future under the Sign of the “Moment of Truth”

The European Forum Alpbach 2024 came to a successful conclusion with a lively discussion between high-ranking representatives of all Austrian parliamentary parties in front of around 500 participants. The final discussion marked the highlight of a two-week forum that once again served as an important platform for European and international dialog.

September 8, 2024

Austria's Colonel Markus Reisner: Escalation, Strategies and Possible Turning Points in the Ukraine War

The war in Ukraine has reached a new dimension in recent weeks. With intensified Russian airstrikes, fierce fighting in the Donbas, and a risky Ukrainian offensive across the Russian border, the conflict is facing a potential escalation and strategic realignment. Colonel Markus Reisner, one of the Austrian Armed Forces' strategists and military academics, assesses the situation.

August 27, 2024

European Forum Alpbach Enters Second Week: A Look Back and a Look Forward

The European Forum Alpbach (EFA) is entering the second week of its high-caliber discussion rounds. Under the motto “Moment of Truth”, the focus is on Europe's challenges and opportunities. While the first few days of the forum have already set important accents, the coming week promises equally exciting insights and groundbreaking debates.

August 27, 2024

Ukraine's Kursk Offensive: IAEA Concerned About Kursk Nuclear Power Plant

The situation around the Kursk nuclear power plant in the Russian border region continues to deteriorate as fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces intensifies in the immediate vicinity. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed his deep concern about the extremely dangerous situation during his visit to the power plant on Tuesday.

August 27, 2024

Lithuanian Asmik Grigorian to be Awarded the “Grand Jury Prize” of the Austrian Music Theater Award

The Lithuanian soprano Asmik Grigorian, one of the most outstanding personalities on the international opera scene, will receive the “Grand Jury Prize” of the Austrian Music Theater Award on September 1, 2024, at the Vienna Volksoper. This award, considered one of the most important honors in the field of opera in Austria, recognizes Grigorian's exceptional artistic achievements and her lasting influence on music theater.

August 25, 2024

Ukraine's Kursk Offensive Assessed by Colonel Markus Reisner: A Risky Strategy with Far-Reaching Consequences

The recent Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, assessed by Colonel Markus Reisner of the Austrian Armed Forces, represents a bold but risky strategy that could have a profound impact on the course of the conflict and the future geopolitical situation.

August 16, 2024

Current DSN Investigation: Terror Plans Lead to Cancellation of Taylor Swift Concerts in Vienna

The planned Taylor Swift concerts at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium were supposed to be a highlight of the summer, but a serious terror threat forced the authorities to cancel the events. A new report by the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) reveals the dramatic background to this decision, which is the result of a series of frightening developments.

August 15, 2024

Austria Continues Cooperation with Serbia to Combat Illegal Migration

Vienna and Belgrade are intensifying their cooperation in the fight against illegal migration and organized crime. At a meeting in Serbia, the interior ministers of both countries emphasized the importance of joint border security measures.

August 6, 2024

OMV CEO Stern: Independence from Russian Gas and Solid Business Development

The Austrian oil and gas group OMV has taken a significant step towards energy independence. CEO Alfred Stern declared at a press conference that OMV is no longer dependent on gas supplies from Russia. This announcement marks the end of a two-year strategic realignment aimed at diversifying gas sources and transportation routes.

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

North Macedonia and Austria Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation and Economic Partnership

Austria and North Macedonia have further deepened their close relations in a diplomatic meeting. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and his North Macedonian counterpart Timčo Mucunski met in Vienna to discuss various topics, including economic cooperation, migration, security, and EU enlargement.

July 28, 2024

Salzburg Summit: Europe's Challenge in the Global Economy

The Salzburg Summit 2024 provided a platform for discussions on the pressing economic and political challenges facing Europe. One of the central debates revolved around the tense relationship with the major economic power China and the resulting impact on European competitiveness.

July 25, 2024

EU Rule of Law Report: Clear Criticism of Austria and Hungary

The EU Commission has sharply criticized the situation in Austria and Hungary in its latest Rule of Law Report 2024. The main focus is on political influence on the judiciary and a lack of transparency. The report, published annually since 2020, analyzes the state of the judiciary, media, and rule of law in the 27 EU member states and makes concrete recommendations for necessary reforms.

July 24, 2024

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Opposes Boycott of Hungary's EU Presidency

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has firmly opposed a boycott of Hungary's EU Presidency, despite the controversial solo actions of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who recently traveled to Moscow without an EU mandate. Schallenberg emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional working relationship within the EU.

July 10, 2024

Official Visit of Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok to Austria

The official visit of Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok to Austria began with a festive reception at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen warmly welcomed his counterpart and emphasized the long tradition of close cooperation between the two countries. The reception took place with military honors, symbolizing the deep-rooted friendship between Hungary and Austria.

July 7, 2024

Salzburg Forum Ministerial Conference 2024: ICMPD at the Center of Efforts against Migration and Human Trafficking

The ministerial conference of the "Forum Salzburg" in Laxenburg took place under the leadership of the Austrian Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner. It attracted high-ranking representatives from the Forum's member states as well as the EU Commission and various regional and EU agencies. Discussions focused on topics such as asylum and migration, the fight against people smuggling, and measures against extremism and terrorism.

July 2, 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

Kickl, Orbán, and Babiš: An Alliance for a New Right-Wing Europe

At a joint press conference in Vienna, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš announced the formation of a new right-wing group in the European Parliament. This "patriotic" alliance is to become the largest right-wing group in the EU Parliament and aims to form a strong opposition force against the established parties.

June 30, 2024

One Year of "Friends of the Western Balkans": A Review of Progress and Challenges

The "Friends of the Western Balkans" initiative celebrated its first birthday under the leadership of Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Launched a year ago, the group aims to support and accelerate the EU integration process of the Western Balkan countries. The foreign ministers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia met again in Göttweig to celebrate this milestone, review the past year and discuss future steps.

June 24, 2024

OSCE Chairman Ian Borg Reaffirms Peace Efforts at Ukraine Summit in Switzerland

The Ukraine peace summit on the Bürgenstock in Switzerland emphasized the OSCE efforts under the leadership of Ian Borg, while Russia was conspicuous by its absence and strict negotiating conditions.

June 17, 2024

Ukraine's Economic Potential: Analysis by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies

In a new comprehensive study by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw) and the Bertelsmann Foundation, Ukraine is recognized as having enormous economic potential.

June 12, 2024

Shield 24: Largest Austrian Armed Forces Exercise in a Decade

From June 10 to 21, 2024, the Austrian Armed Forces will be conducting the most comprehensive military exercise of the last ten years. Around 7,500 soldiers and civilian staff will take part in “Schutzschild 24”, supported by international forces from Germany, Sweden, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

June 9, 2024

Unrestricted Access to the Labor Market for Ukrainian Refugees in Austria Decided

Ukrainians who have fled the war should be able to participate in the Austrian labor market permanently and without restrictions. The Social Affairs Committee of the National Council today pushed the extension of the “Red-White-Red Card Plus” towards a final decision in plenary. The governing parties ÖVP and Greens, as well as the NEOS, voted in favor, while initiatives by the NEOS and FPÖ on immigration were postponed.

June 6, 2024

Austria, Lithuania, and Latvia Join Forces to Strengthen Europe's Cyber Defense

Austria is intensifying its cyber defense by participating in the PESCO project “Cyber Rapid Response Team” initiated by Lithuania. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner signed this agreement at the meeting of defense ministers in Brussels, together with Latvia, and in the presence of Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas.

June 5, 2024

Austrian Climate Ministry Supports Ukraine with Five Million Euros for the Reconstruction of Energy Infrastructure

The Austrian Federal Government has announced its support for Ukraine by releasing five million euros in aid to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. This financial aid aims to promote the reconstruction of Ukraine's severely damaged energy infrastructure, which has been suffering from the devastating effects of the war for over two years.

May 22, 2024

Russia Begins Nuclear Weapons Exercises Near Ukraine

Russia has begun nuclear weapons exercises near the Ukrainian border, once again issuing a stronger nuclear threat to the West. The exercises, which are taking place in the south of Russia, include training with tactical nuclear weapons, as announced by the Russian Ministry of Defense.

May 21, 2024

FPÖ Wants Orban as EU Commission President

The top candidate of the Austrian right-wing party FPÖ is threatening to stop EU contributions under an FPÖ government and would like to see the Hungarian prime minister as EU Commission president.

May 20, 2024

Georgia in the Focus of the OSCE: Protests, Political Tensions and International Support

The political situation in Georgia remains tense as the population takes to the streets to protest against a controversial law and international actors pledge their support. During his visit to Georgia, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Malta's Foreign Minister Ian Borg, emphasized the importance of civil society and the organization's role in conflict resolution. At the same time, protests against the so-called "agent law", seen by many as a threat to the country's democratic structures and EU integration, are continuing.

May 16, 2024

Slovakia Prime Minister in Danger: Assassination Attempt on Slovakia's Robert Fico Shakes Europe

A serious attack on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has shaken Europe. A 71-year-old man shot Fico after a meeting and is in critical condition.

May 15, 2024

FPÖ Demands Stricter Control of Austria's Payments to Ukraine

In a recent debate in the Austrian parliament, the FPÖ called for establishing a separate control body to review the financial support provided by Austria and the EU to Ukraine. FPÖ MP Susanne Fürst expressed concerns about the efficiency of the existing control mechanisms and warned of the risk that the billions in aid could seep into the "channels of the Zelenskyy regime".

May 13, 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

Diplomatic Collisions on the Nuclear Front: Global Nervousness over Russia's Nuclear Maneuvers

Increasing tensions and recent developments regarding nuclear exercises and rhetoric pose a number of challenges for Europe, European security and especially Austria as the home of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).

May 6, 2024

20 Years of EU Enlargement: Austria Looks at the Success Story of European Integration

Exactly 20 years ago, on May 1, 2004, a historic enlargement of the European Union came into force. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Cyprus became member states, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Europe. This fifth round of enlargement marked a milestone for the countries involved and a significant change for Austria, as Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and the Austrian Society for European Politics emphasize.

May 5, 2024

Vienna National Defense Academy to Host Regional Strategy Course for the Western Balkans

The "Regional Strategic Leadership Course" is part of a larger initiative launched in 2018 to promote cooperation between the defense ministries of Austria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

April 30, 2024

Vienna to Host the "TRATOLOW" Climate Conference for the Western Balkans and Turkey

In a crucial meeting in Vienna today, leading climate and environmental representatives from the Western Balkans, Turkey and the EU discussed strategies to tackle climate change. Organized by the Austrian Ministry for Climate Action, the EU Department for Climate Action and the Austrian Environment Agency, the conference focused on the TRATOLOW project, which aims to achieve a sustainable climate transition in these regions.

April 29, 2024

Austria at 20 Years of Slovenia's EU Membership Under the Sign of Enlargement

At a time of profound changes and challenges in Europe, Slovenia is celebrating a significant anniversary of its EU membership. The celebrations were accompanied by a meeting of European heads of state, more specifically Slovenia's neighbors, who discussed the future of the Union and enlargement policy.

April 24, 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