Sponsored Content
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
UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Conference in New York
The UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty tenth review conference is held in New York after a two-year delay caused by the CoV pandemic. Even before Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, nuclear disarmament had stalled. Now, reducing the nearly 13,000 nuclear weapons worldwide is becoming even more difficult.
August 1, 2022
Viktor Orbán Meets Austrian Chancellor for Controversial Talks in Vienna
Viktor Orban, the polarising Prime Minister of Hungary, met with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer last week in Vienna. The two statesmen expressed friendship, but also disagreed on some issues.
August 1, 2022
Integration Ministers Discuss Refugees from Ukraine
The integration ministers of the European Union met for the "European Integration Conference" at Palais Niederösterreich in Vienna. The EU ministers and state secretaries for integration were invited, as well as international organizations that work on migration issues.
July 31, 2022
Croatian Foreign Minister Grlić Radman on a Visit to the Republic of Austria
The Foreign Minister of Croatia, Gordan Grlić Radman, met in Vienna with the Foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg. Further, the Croatian Foreign Minister met with representatives of the Croatian community in Austria.
July 28, 2022
Foreigners in Austria: More Than a Quarter of the Austrian Population Has a Migration Background
A new study by Statistics Austria analysed the countries of origin of Austrians and found that more than a quarter of the Austrian population has a migration background. If you want to know where most foreigners in Austria come from and how much the proportion has increased in recent years, read on.
July 28, 2022
European Forum Alpbach Will be Opened by Moldovan President Maia Sandu
The Moldovan President, Maia Sandu, will attend the opening of this year's European Forum Alpbach (EFA) together with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen on August 22. At the start of the event, they will jointly address the EFA's annual theme, The New Europe, and discuss what consequences, in light of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine, Europe must draw from its current weakness and its inaction in the past.
July 27, 2022
International Auschwitz Committee Puts Pressure on Austrian Chancellor Ahead of His Meeting With Viktor Orban
The International Ausschwitz Committee expressed its horror after racist statements and a Holocaust joke by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Committee Vice-President Christoph Heubner then called on Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer to confront Orban during his upcoming visit to Vienna.
July 27, 2022
Forest Fires in Slovenia: Austria Provides Aid
Central Europe is currently under a fire risk because of the heat and low rainfall. It is also the case in Slovenia. Austria's neighbor has experienced fires on more than 500 hectares in the last few days and has called on European assistance.
July 26, 2022
Rising Migration Poses New Challenges for Austria
The year 2022 has so far been exceptional for Austria in terms of integration and presents Austria with a mammoth task, according to Integration Minister Susanne Raab. The presentation of the Integration Report 2022 on Monday provided new insights into immigration in Austria.
July 25, 2022
Austria Will Take Common Line with Germany on Gas Storage
Germany and Austria have joint responsibility for storing gas, according to Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens). "We have always coordinated well with Germany," the minister said today, referring to the Haidach storage facility near Salzburg, which is also important for Germany.
July 25, 2022
IAEA Expresses Concern About Zaporizhzya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine
The situation at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in the Russian-occupied zone of Ukraine is increasingly worrying, according to recent reports. In order to avoid an accident that could endanger the health of the Ukrainian and other public, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has advised the utmost caution.
July 25, 2022
Ukrainian Refugees in Austria Feel Welcome
Displaced women from Ukraine were interviewed by the Austrian Institute for Family Research at the University of Vienna on behalf of the Austrian Integration Fund about their current life situation, security and care, and plans for the future.
July 24, 2022
Ambassador of Poland Presents Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland
As Secretary General of the National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Holocaust Victims, Hannah Lessing was awarded the Cavalier's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland for her outstanding work and deep understanding for the survivors of National Socialism living abroad.
July 22, 2022
Joint Trip of Austrian and Czech Foreign Ministers to Ukraine
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg traveled to Kyiv with Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. In addition to talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, the program included visits to the Hostomel and Irpin war sites, which testify to the sheer brutality of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine.
July 21, 2022
Austrian Federal President: "We Must Not Allow Ourselves to Be Divided"
Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen addressed the current challenges and hardships in a gripping opening speech at the Bregenz Festival.
July 21, 2022
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the United Nations in Vienna
Peter Mišík, Slovakia's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Peter Mišík, the new permanent representative of the Slovak Republic to the International Organizations in Vienna.
July 20, 2022
Austrian Foreign Minister in Brussels: "Sanctions are Having an Effect"
This week, the Foreign Affairs Council met in Brussels to discuss the status of the Russian aggression in Ukraine as well as the coordination of sanctions and assistance. Relations with Latin American and Caribbean countries and digital diplomacy were also discussed.
July 20, 2022
Austria Strengthens Efforts Against Trafficking of Human Beings on the Hungarian-Serbian Border
Austria is engaged against anti-smuggling and human trafficking on the Hungarian-Serbian border and sent representatives of the Austrian Ministry of Interior to Hungary. The Director General for Public Security, Franz Ruf, and the Head of the Office against Smuggling and Trafficking in Human Beings at the Federal Criminal Police Office, Gerald Tatzgern, exchanged information with the Hungarian police there.
July 19, 2022
Slovenia's President Emphasized Cooperation with Austrian Province Carinthia
During a visit to the Austrian province of Carinthia, Slovenia's President Borut Pahor, together with Carinthia's Governor Peter Kaiser, emphasized the value of friendship and peace. The current crises, inflation and bilingual district courts were also discussed.
July 18, 2022
International Organisation in Vienna Raises Awareness About Human Trafficking
Due to the acute danger of Ukrainian displaced persons becoming victims of human trafficking, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Austria is currently trying to generate more awareness of the problem that many people have to struggle with.
July 18, 2022
Visit of the Slovak Prime Minister to Vienna: Disagreement on Nuclear Technology Issues
Eduard Heger, the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, visited Vienna earlier this week. In his conversations with Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer, he emphasized the importance of Ukraine's victory over the Russian invader and discussed nuclear power differences between the two countries.
July 18, 2022
Austria's and Hungary's Foreign Ministers in Talks: "Western Balkan Enlargement is the Best Geopolitical Tool We Have"
During a recent visit to Vienna, the Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó met with the Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Apart from bilateral issues, the meeting focused on the Russian aggression in Ukraine and its effects on Central European neighbors and Western Balkans. The two foreign ministers also discussed European energy security.
July 15, 2022
EU Youth Conference Highlights the Importance of Youth Policy
In the course of the EU Youth Conference in Prague, Austria's State Secretary for Youth Claudia Plakolm stressed the importance of young people having a say in politics.
July 13, 2022
Croatia's Euro Accession: "Great Advantages for the Domestic Economy "
As of 1 January 2022, Croatia will officially become part of the euro area. This holds great opportunities for Austrian companies.
July 13, 2022
City of Vienna Organises Online Matura for Displaced Children From Ukraine
In order to enable displaced children from Ukraine to take the Ukrainian Matura, the City of Vienna is offering a total of 800 displaced Ukrainian pupils the opportunity to take the exam online in Vienna this year at the end of July/beginning of August. This project is organised by the Ukrainian Education Centre, which was launched at the beginning of April by the City of Vienna together with Raiffeisen Centrobank and the H. Stepic CEE Charity.
July 12, 2022
OSCE Special Representatives Visit Polish-Ukrainian Border
Maria Raczynska, the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Youth and Security, and Lara Scarpitta, the OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, visited the Polish-Ukrainian border last week to assess the situation of refugees from Ukraine.
July 11, 2022
Georgian Prime Minister Visits Vienna
Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili recently met their counterparts Nehammer and Schallenberg in Vienna. The reason for the meeting was the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, but also current topics such as the conflict in Ukraine or Georgia's accession negotiations with the EU. Read on if you want to learn more!
July 11, 2022
Displaced Persons From Ukraine Now Have Access to Family Allowance
Families displaced from Ukraine can now apply for Austrian family allowance. As a result of this announcement, a loophole in the law has been closed, making it possible for all Ukrainians in Austria to claim social benefits. It will be introduced in the National Council on Friday.
July 8, 2022
Montenegro's Prime Minister Visits the Austrian Federal Chancellor and Foreign Minister
Dritan Abazović, the Prime Minister of Montenegro, visited Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in Vienna this week. Montenegro's EU accession was discussed, as well as the deepening of bilateral relations. In the Western Balkans, the small Adriatic Republic is considered a model pupil among the EU accession candidates.
July 8, 2022
Concert in Vienna City Hall Launches Czech Council Presidency
A concert was held at Vienna City Hall to honor the Czech Republic and its incoming EU Presidency. This year, the Czech Republic will hold the EU Presidency for only the second time, having previously held it in 2009. Mayor Michael Ludwig and Chargé d'Affaires Jakub Novak welcomed guests in the arcade courtyard of Vienna City Hall.
July 8, 2022
Vienna Economic Council - How Vienna Deals With Current Economic Challenges
The Vienna Economic Council met this week to deal with the effects of the conflict in Ukraine. The aim was to make Vienna attractive as a business location and to manage emerging economic crises in the best possible way. Read on if you want to learn more!
July 7, 2022
Austria Supports Ukraine in Reconstruction and Development
Austria's Federal Minister Karoline Edtstadler assured Ukraine and particularly affected states in the course of the high-level Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Lugano. The conference aims to set a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of Ukraine and, above all, a further sign of solidarity for Kiev.
July 6, 2022
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Serbia to the United Nations in Vienna
Žarko Obradović, Serbia’s new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Žarko Obradović, the new permanent representative of Serbia to the International Organizations in Vienna.
July 6, 2022
Emotional Appeals From Zelenskyy, Clooney and Others During 4Gamechangers Event in Vienna
During his first live address to Austria Thursday, Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy made an emotional appeal. Moreover, he called for tougher sanctions against Russia as well as increased support for Ukraine. Selenskyj said during a 4Gamechangers festival circuit that the war is also a "gamechanger" for Europe. An earlier appearance by Hollywood star George Clooney created a stir.
July 5, 2022
Austria Supports Health Projects in Partner Countries in the Fight Against COVID-19
To support partner countries in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the Austrian government made a total of 4 million euros available from the Foreign Disaster Fund at the end of June. The funds are to help Austrian NGOs abroad to implement targeted projects and vaccination campaigns.
July 4, 2022
OSCE Announces Closure of Project Co-Ordinator in Ukraine
The office of the Project Coordinator in Ukraine, whose tasks include supporting Ukraine in its reform efforts, is being dismantled step by step, as the OSCE recently announced. The reason for this is that the OSCE Permanent Council was unable to reach a consensus on the extension of the mandate due to the Russian Federation.
July 1, 2022
What Austria Expects From the Czech Republic's EU Presidency
Czech Republic has taken over the Presidency of the Council of the EU, replacing France, which held the post in the first half of the year. Austria's neighbouring country takes over the presidency at a crucial time, capped by international conflicts and economic crises.
July 1, 2022
Fear of Moldova Being Next on Russia's Hit List
The Russian Invasion of Ukraine is also frightening for other Eastern-European countries. One of them has its own troubles, with the gone rogue territory of Transnistria, highly influenced by the Kremlin, namely Moldova.
June 30, 2022
UNODC World Drug Report 2022 Highlights Trends in Global Drug Supply and Demand
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime released its annual World Drug Report. The Report highlights new trends on cannabis post-legalization, environmental impacts of illicit drugs, relations between drug markets and conflict zones like Ukraine, and drug use among women and youth. Learn more about the World Drug Report 2022.
June 29, 2022
Moody's Declares Russia in Default
The U.S. company Moody’s announced in New York that it was concerned with interest payments on two government bonds that had not been received by creditors even after a default period of 30 days had expired.
June 28, 2022
Austria's Chancellor Calls for a Clear Perspective for Bosnia at the EU-Western Balkans Summit
Last week at the European Council and the EU-Western Balkans Summit, the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Karl Nehammer, demanded that the countries of the Western Balkans be offered fair prospects of potential EU accession. Among other things, he made it clear that accession negotiations for Bosnia would be possible as soon as it had fulfilled the reform points set by the EU.
June 27, 2022
Austria has Frozen the Assets of Russian Oligarchs Worth 1.5 Billion Euros
The Austrian authorities have frozen the assets of 1.5 billion euros belonging to Russian oligarchs since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
June 26, 2022
Europa Forum Wachau: Shaping the Future of Europe
Austria is once again at the centre of European politics. At the 26th edition of the European Forum Wachau, many prominent guests from business, diplomacy and politics gathered in Lower Austria to discuss the future of the EU and its current challenges. The motto of this year's event is "Safeguarding Europe's future".
June 24, 2022
Austrian Bishops Plan Ukraine Trip in July
Archbishop Franz Lackner, president of the Austrian Bishops' Conference, will travel to Ukraine in July with Styrian Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl. This was announced by the Bishops' Conference at the end of its summer plenary session.
June 22, 2022
Austria Promises Further Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine
In the course of the current programme of visits by Ukrainian politicians to Austria, Austria promised further support in the war against Russia. In addition to unwavering solidarity, the Ukrainian population is to benefit from further humanitarian aid.
June 22, 2022
Austria Sees Potential EU Accession Status as a Historic Opportunity
Austria sees the EU Commission's proposal to grant Ukraine and Moldova the status of EU accession candidates as a historic opportunity as a clear signal of the EU's strength. Nevertheless, Austria also has a responsibility towards the Western Balkans and should not ignore them. Read on if you want to learn more.
June 21, 2022
Three Seas Initiative in Riga for Common Ground against Russia
The Three Seas Initiative met in Riga. Austria and eleven other Central Eastern European countries accepted Ukraine as a member of the Three Seas Initiative at the Presidential Summit in Riga. Austrian President Van der Bellen traveled to Riga and appealed for unity against Russia.
June 20, 2022
World Refugee Day Raises Awareness of the Right on Protection
Every year on 20 June, World Refugee Day takes place to draw attention to flight and displacement. This year, the focus is on the staggering number of over 100 million displaced people worldwide - the highest number ever recorded according to UNHCR. In addition to famine and natural disasters, the war in Ukraine is primarily responsible for this high number this year, as many people have had to leave their homes to escape the violence.
June 20, 2022
OSCE Condemns Use of Sexual Violence as Weapon of War
Reports of sexual violence against women and girls in the Ukraine war have been circulating in the media for some time. Now OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid has spoken out and called for an immediate end to these crimes. Read on if you want to know more.
June 20, 2022
Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Demands Protection of European Values
The President of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, emphasized during a speech in the Austrian Parliament that Ukraine defends civilized Europe from Russia's imperialist aspirations and used the visit to promote Ukraine's accession to the EU. He also thanked Austria for its humanitarian and financial support to Ukraine in these difficult times.
June 15, 2022
Fast News Search
This category only
