Eastern European Countries and Austria | Bilateral Relations - Vindobona.org

Challenges of the OSCE in Montenegro's Presidential Election

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) opened an election observation mission for the March 19 presidential elections in Montenegro. The OSCE mission taking place in the former Yugoslav republic of Montenegro faces a country that had problems with the legality of elections and the circumstances in which they are conducted, 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.

March 9, 2023

Space Diplomacy: Petition to UN COPUOS by ESO and Astronomy Groups

In a paper submitted to the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), an international collaboration involving the European Southern Observatory (ESO) proposes a new Expert Group to protect dark and quiet skies.

March 8, 2023

Partnerships with Central European Neighbors in the Field of Education

The Central European Cooperation in Education and Training (CECE) Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Hungary.

March 7, 2023

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen Met the Departing Czech President Milos Zeman

Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen made an Official visit to the Czech head of state, who is leaving office after two terms.

March 5, 2023

Zaporizhzhya Power Plant Under Attack Says IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported attacks at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. Several Detonations were heard near the power plant, which is worrying the Agency.

March 1, 2023

Representation of the European Commission in Vienna Organized Event “Solidarity and Justice for Ukraine”

The European Commission organized the event "Solidarity and Justice for Ukraine" at the House of the EU in Vienna on the anniversary of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It was attended by a large number of diplomatic, academic and political participants, who reaffirmed support for Ukraine at all levels and discussed ways to punish Russian atrocities.

February 27, 2023

Diplomats in Vienna Express Solidarity with Ukraine

The various and numerous embassies as well as foreign missions in Vienna expressed their solidarity with war-torn Ukraine on the anniversary of the Russian invasion. Especially the embassies that condemn Russia for the war, demand that Russia finally withdraws its troops from Ukraine.

February 27, 2023

Schallenberg Condemns Russia and Shows Support for Ukraine in OSCE Speech

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg held a speech at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) sharply condemning Russia and reassuring the ongoing support for Ukraine.

February 26, 2023

Neutrality Debate in Austria's Parliament at Ukraine Session

On the occasion of the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there was a lively debate in the Austrian parliament about the attitude towards the aggressor Russia and about neutrality. An open letter in Austria, in which signatories call for a responsible debate about the country's neutrality, also fueled the session in parliament.

February 24, 2023

More than 40 Incidents at Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plants since the Beginning of the War

Since the war in Ukraine began a year ago, the country's nuclear power plants have been affected by more than 40 incidents. Nuclear security in Ukraine is still at a worrying risk. This is according to a report published by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.

February 24, 2023

Secretary General of the Austrian Foreign Ministry Shows Solidarity With Ukraine at UN General Assembly

Secretary General of the Austrian Foreign Ministry Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal held a speech at the UN General Assembly in New York promoting peace and condemning the violation of human rights.

February 23, 2023

AACC Receives a Delegation from the Council of Slovak Exporters

Following an initiative from the Council of Slovak Exporters, AACC Secretary-General Mouddar Khouja hosted the Council of Slovak Exporters' Chairman and Vice Chairman during a visit to AACC's Vienna.

February 23, 2023

Romania’s Foreign Minister Not Satisfied with Austria’s Schengen Veto

Romania’s Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu has expressed his dissatisfaction about Austria’s Schengen block in the Austrian newspaper “Die Presse”. He said that the Veto was “unjust, unexpected, and unannounced”.

February 22, 2023

Minister Edtstadler Defends Visa Exemptions for Russians

Austrian Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler has defended Austria’s decision to grant visas to the Russian Delegation amidst the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly.

February 21, 2023

Raiffeisen Probed by U.S. Sanctions Authority

Raiffeisen Bank International, an Austrian lender that plays a critical role in the Russian economy, is under investigation by the US sanctions authority over its Russia-related business.

February 18, 2023

Ukraine Wants to Boycott OSCE-Meeting Because of Russian Delegation

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is not going through its best times. Especially Austria’s role in it. After many countries sent an open letter to Austria to disinvite the Russian delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly, countries are now boycotting the meeting.

February 16, 2023

Russian Ambassador Lyubinsky Criticized Austria

Russia's Ambassador to Vienna Dmitry Lyubinsky detects an erosion of Austria's neutrality status and sees a "huge minus sign" in front of Russian-Austrian relations. However, Lyubinsky also spoke of maintaining contacts with influential people in Austria.

February 13, 2023

Federal Police Director Emphasizes Importance of EU External Border Protection

Austrian Federal Police Director Michael Takács took part in the “Effective Management of EU Borders” conference in Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia. The conference had two central themes: protecting EU external borders and combating smuggling.

February 12, 2023

Austria Wants to Accelerate the Integration of Displaced Persons into the Labor Market

The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) and the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF/AIF) want to accelerate the integration of Ukrainians into the labor market. A letter will be sent to displaced persons encouraging them to contact ÖIF and AMS in order to find employment.

February 12, 2023

Austria's Vice-Chancellor and Sports Minister Kogler Against Russia's and Belarus's Participation in the 2024 Olympics

Unlike the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Austrian Olympic Committee (ÖOC), Austria's Vice Chancellor and Sports Minister Werner Kogler is strictly against Russia's and Belarus's participation in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. According to Kogler, "it is simply unacceptable for Ukrainian athletes to compete against Russian and Belarusian athletes in the fight for medals."

February 9, 2023

Austria Obligated to Grant Visas Says OSCE

The Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) has decided in a parliament assembly that Austria must grant visas to all visiting member states, including Russia. The visas for the Russian Delegation have caused quite some controversy in the last week however, the visa issues seem to be settled.

February 8, 2023

Schallenberg Defends his Stance Regarding the Russians

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has defended his position to allow the Russian delegation to enter the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly by trying to keep a communication channel open.

February 6, 2023

Slovak President Čaputová Received Austrian President Van der Bellen

Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová received Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen in Bratislava. Among other things, they discussed further aid to Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia.

February 5, 2023

Open Letter to Austria to Disinvite Russian Delegation

Over 80 representatives from 20 different countries have asked Austria in an open letter to disinvite members of the Russian delegation from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly concerning the anniversary of the Russo-Ukrainian war.

February 2, 2023

President Van der Bellen Reassured Support for Ukraine

Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen met with his counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reassure Austria’s support for Ukraine. He also visited several humanitarian organizations doing their best they can to help and rebuild Ukraine.

February 2, 2023

Austria Expels Four Russian Diplomats

Austria expels four Russian diplomats. This was announced by the Foreign Ministry, according to a statement. The four diplomats are accused of "incompatible actions" with their diplomatic status. This expulsion, however, goes beyond espionage and incompatible acts, according to experts.

February 2, 2023

Austria Stuck in a Dilemma at the OSCE

Austria may cause some controversy at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna by letting sanctioned Russian politicians enter the country and granting them visas. Moreover, of all days, the Parliamentary Assembly will be held on February 23 and 24.

February 1, 2023

Minister Edtstadler Met With Hungarian Minister Varga in Vienna

Austrian Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler has met with the Hungarian Minister of Justice Judit Varga in Vienna where they talked about current challenges such as illegal immigration and the Russian aggression on Ukraine.

January 31, 2023

OSCE Condemns Russia’s Decision to Outlaw Independent News Outlet Meduza

Moscow continues its campaign against opposition Russian media with unabated vigor. The Riga-based web portal "Meduza" is banned completely in Russia. The OSCE denounced the Russian authorities’ decision to outlaw one of the most popular Russian-language news portals.

January 31, 2023

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Bujar Osmani Will Visit Brussels

The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairperson-in-Office and Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani will visit Brussels to meet with EU and NATO Officials.

January 30, 2023

Chancellor Nehammer Visited Georgia

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has visited Georgia and expressed his support for the country’s EU integration. He also understood the complicated situation and showed comprehension regarding the Russia sanctions.

January 30, 2023

IAEA Pushes for a Safe Zone in Zaporizhzhia

Due to recent attacks in Zaporizhzhia, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) once again called to establish a security zone at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

January 29, 2023

Foreign Minister Schallenberg Has Met with OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmidt

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has met with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Secretary General Helga Maria Schmidt, where they highlighted the importance of the OSCE as a dialogue platform.

January 25, 2023

Bosnia and Herzegovina is the New FSC Chairmanship of the OSCE

Bosnia and Herzegovina was recently appointed to hold the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) Chairmanship for the first term of 2023. Each meeting's agenda is set by the Chairmanship, which emphasizes issues concerning the implementation of commitments adopted by the Forum. Bosnia and Herzegovina shows empathy with Ukraine, due to the country's own history of violent conflicts.

January 24, 2023

OSCE Vehicles Were Seen in the Donbass Region

Several Vehicles of the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) were reported to be seen in Luhansk near the Russian border. The OSCE came with an explanation afterward.

January 24, 2023

Schallenberg Attended the Foreign Council Affairs Meeting in Brussels

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg attended the Foreign Council Affair meeting in Brussels, where he talked about several topics regarding European Security and other subjects.

January 24, 2023

Chancellor Nehammer Requests Two Bio. Euros for Bulgaria’s Border Protection

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer asked the EU Commission for two Bio. Euros to support Bulgaria’s border control. Nehammer and the Minister of Interior Gerhard Karner observed the situation this week at the Bulgarian-Turkish border.

January 24, 2023

IAEA Chief Grossi and Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Visit Brussels

Austria recorded a small but significant diplomatic success at Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg's visit to the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. Already in the run-up to the meeting, the EU foreign ministers met Rafael Grossi, Director General of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on the initiative of Foreign Minister Schallenberg.

January 23, 2023

Vienna Sends More Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine

The City of Vienna is continuing to assist Ukrainians during these tough times. This week, three trucks of relief supplies were loaded and sent to Ukraine, which contained hospital beds, medical devices, etc.

January 22, 2023

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Welcomed OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani in Kyiv

The Organisation for Cooperation and Security (OSCE) Chairman-in-Office and Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani met with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. Osmani ensured support for Ukraine during Russia’s “unjustified and unprovoked war”.

January 17, 2023 · Updated: January 20, 2023; 12:00

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Bujar Osmani Presented North Macedonia’s Plan at the Permanent Council

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairman-in-Office and Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani presented the country’s priorities and plans for the year 20223 at the permanent council. The top priority he addressed was Russia’s aggression on Ukraine.

January 12, 2023 · Updated: January 20, 2023; 12:00

Exchange of Topics Between Foreign Minister Schallenberg and his Counterpart of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met with his Macedonian counterpart Bujar Osmani, where they discussed several topics including topics regarding the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). From January 1, North Macedonia has taken over as the chair of the organization for this year.

January 11, 2023 · Updated: January 20, 2023; 12:00

North Macedonia Takes Over OSCE Chair for 2023

From January 1, 2023, North Macedonia takes over the OSCE Chair. In addition to the focus on the crisis regions and above all the military aggression against Ukraine, the country's priorities as chairman will be the re-affirmation of the benefits of the OSCE and the restoration of dialogue and trust.

January 2, 2023 · Updated: January 20, 2023; 12:00

Foreign Minister Schallenberg Met With His Macedonian Counterpart Bujar Osmani

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg had a meeting with his counterpart of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani. Since North Macedonia will hold the OSCE Chairmanship in 2023, they discussed a lot of OSCE-related topics.

December 14, 2022 · Updated: January 20, 2023; 12:00

Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani Visits Vienna

The Foreign Minister of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, met in Vienna with the Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, as well as with the OSCE leadership, as North Macedonia will assume the OSCE Chairmanship for 2023.

September 1, 2022 · Updated: January 20, 2023; 12:00

Austrian President Van der Bellen Admits Mistakes Regarding Putin

In a recent interview, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen explained how he feels about obvious mistakes made during his first term in office. In his opinion, this also includes his words of praise for Austrian-Russian relations and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

January 19, 2023

Romania’s Ambassador to Austria Returns to his Position

Romania’s Ambassador to Austria Emil Hurezeanu is returning to its position in Vienna. He was recalled after Austria blocked Romania’s Schengen accession in December.

January 19, 2023

Serbia's Complicated Relationship with Russia

Serbia's relatively close relationship with Russia, while based on a somewhat haggard history, has been rather positive in recent years. Since Russia's attack, but also before, this relationship has been crumbling more and more. There are several reasons for this, some of which are currently intensifying.

January 19, 2023

IAEA Observers Will Remain Permanently in Chernobyl

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will establish a permanent observing mission in Tschernobyl. This is to prevent accidents from happening at nuclear reactors.

January 18, 2023

Austrian Companies Remain Strong in Russia

Many Austrian companies are active in Eastern Europe, especially in the Balkans, Ukraine and Russia. Especially in Russia, the activity of Austrian companies has been very successful but is controversial due to the Russian attack on Ukraine. According to research by the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), almost a year after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, two-thirds of the previously present companies from Austria are still active in Russia.

January 18, 2023