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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
How Many Refugees Have Fled Ukraine to Austria?
Austria will help its neighboring countries cope with the expected influx from Ukraine following the Russian military attack by accepting Ukrainian refugees despite its generally restrictive migration policy. Please find below questions and answers regarding entry and stay of Ukrainian citizens in Austria.
March 3, 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
UNHCR: One Million Refugees Have Fled Ukraine in a Week
In just seven days, one million people have fled Ukraine, uprooted by this senseless war.
March 3, 2022
Russia-friendly Austria Breaks with its Neutrality: "Enough is Enough"
Neutral and traditionally pro-Russia Austria is forced to break with its neutrality and take a clear stand against Putin because of his war of aggression against Ukraine.
March 2, 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
Ukraine Invasion: Austria Also Possesses a "Willkommenskultur"
Austria is already preparing to receive Ukrainian refugees fleeing the violent Russian invasion of Ukraine. The people of Austria have a chance to once again display their "Wilkommenskultur" ("welcoming culture") and welcome those fleeing the brutal conflict into their country with open arms. Read what Vienna is currently doing to help welcome the refugees.
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
Belarusian Dictator Lukashenko May Rule Until 2035
Almost unnoticed in the background of the Russian invasion of neighboring Ukraine, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has had expanded power confirmed in a referendum. The constitutional amendment is intended to allow him additional terms in office and guarantee him lifelong immunity from prosecution after a possible retirement from politics.
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: Enhancement of Austria's Humanitarian and Logistical Assistance to Ukraine
The conclusion of the meeting of the Austrian National Security Council on the current situation in Ukraine is to prepare Austria in the best possible way for any consequences of the nuclear threat.
February 28, 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
Russo-Ukrainian War: Already 100,000 People on the Run, but Austria's Interior Ministry Expects No Large Movement of Ukrainians to Austria
Although already one day after the Russian attack on Ukraine, according to UN figures, more than 100,000 people out of the 44 million population are on the run, the "migration experts" of the Austrian Interior Ministry do not assume that there will be a large movement of Ukrainian citizens to Austria. On the other hand, most EU countries are preparing for more refugees.
February 26, 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
Putin's People in Austria and Beyond
Following Putin's invasion of eastern Ukraine with the aim of regaining former Soviet territory, two former European prime ministers from Italy and Finland have already resigned from the supervisory boards of two Russian companies. However, some Austrian and German politicians see no reason to resign their mandates. In the following some explanations why.
February 25, 2022 · Updated: February 25, 2022; 11:23
Ukrainian President to Austria's Chancellor: "Don't know how long Ukraine will exist"
The situation in Ukraine is highly dramatic, Austria's Chancellor Nehammer reported from a telephone conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The latter had requested to stand by his country, which was under attack by Russia.
February 25, 2022
Ukraine Assistance: Vienna Sends Trucks with Medical Supplies to Kiev and Odessa
Responding to the Russian invasion, the Vienna City Government has sent about 15 tons of medical or relief material to Ukraine.
February 24, 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
Continued Strong Interdependence of Business between Russian, Ukrainian and Austrian Companies
Austrian businesses have established significant ties with those in Ukraine and Russia over the years. Read about the amount of business Austria does with each country and how the recent escalation of tensions could affect this.
February 23, 2022
OSCE Representative Calls on President Zelensky to Drop Sanctions Against Media in Ukraine
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro reiterated her concern regarding Ukraine’s practice of applying sanctions against media outlets.
February 23, 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
Federal President: "Blatant violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity"
Austria's Federal President Van der Bellen condemns Putin's recognition of the eastern Ukrainian separatist areas of Luhansk and Donetsk and his order to invade eastern Ukraine.
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
U.S. President Is "Convinced" Putin Has Decided to Invade Ukraine
"As of this moment, I'm convinced he's made the decision. U.S. intelligence agencies had concluded that the Russian leader had made the decision to invade and would proceed accordingly," Biden said.
February 19, 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
Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Neutral Switzerland and Austria Back De-escalation
Swiss President Ignazio Cassis and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer discussed the Ukraine crisis at a meeting in Zofingen, Switzerland. Read what they said about the ongoing conflict.
February 17, 2022
Explore Spring in Charming Bratislava after the Pandemic with the Twin City Liner
After the Twin City Liner had to stop all trips in autumn due to the Corona pandemic, spring trips to Bratislava can now already be booked from March 2022.
February 17, 2022 · Sponsored Content
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
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
Ukraine Crisis: Potential Impact of Russian Invasion on Ukrainian, Russian and EU Economies
The solution of the Russian aggression and violation of rights towards Ukraine, is of central importance for the world we want to live in. The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WIIW) conducted a study on the potential economic impacts of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Read their prediction for how an invasion would affect the economies of the EU, Russia, and Ukraine.
February 8, 2022 · Updated: February 11, 2022; 08:35
ICPDR: Contracting Parties Renew Commitment to Protect the Danube
The contracting parties to the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the Danube River Basin at a Ministerial Meeting in Vienna. Read about the Management Plans adopted by the Commission and what this means for the Danube.
February 10, 2022
Putin's Propaganda TV-Channel Tries to Expand to Austria
An attempt to supply an Austrian target group with German-language propaganda from Berlin will apparently fall victim to the media war between the two state broadcasters Russia Today (RT) in Berlin and Deutsche Welle (DW) in Moscow.
February 9, 2022
Austrian Foreign Minister on Ukraine: "As a neutral state, we are still not neutral when it comes to violence"
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg is visiting Ukraine together with his Czech counterpart Jan Lipavský and his Slovakian counterpart Ivan Korčok.
February 7, 2022
Belarus Celebrates 30-Year Anniversary at OSCE While Number of Political Prisoners at Home Has Now Reached 1000
As the Republic of Belarus celebrates its 30th anniversary at the OSCE in Vienna, the number of political prisoners in Belarus has now reached 1000. Although Belarus claims to be a long-standing, active, and committed member, the European Commission's External Action Service notes that Belarus "must adhere to its international commitments and obligations within the OSCE". Meanwhile, it became known that a troop deployment of 30,000 Russian soldiers to Belarus has also taken place.
February 4, 2022
Sergei Lavrov Expects Clarifications from Individual Western Countries on Russia's Security
The Russian foreign minister's remarks raise hopes for further diplomatic efforts in the Ukraine crisis.
February 2, 2022
Mandatory Covid Vaccination in Austria: Foreign Diplomats Not Covered
The vaccination requirement in Austria does not generally apply to foreign diplomats who live in Austria and are exempt from the registration requirement under the Registration Act. Details in the following article.
February 1, 2022
German and Austrian EU Ministers Supportive of Accession Process for Western Balkans
German EU Minister Anna Lührmann met with Austrian EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler in Vienna. Read what they said about EU accession for the Western Balkan states, compulsory vaccination, and more.
February 1, 2022
How Close Are We to War Between Russia and the Ukraine?
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain very high, and some have called a Russian invasion imminent. Read what Nina L. Kruscheva, an expert on Russia and international affairs, said about the likelihood of a war between Russia and Ukraine.
January 31, 2022
Which Migration Issues to Watch for in 2022
2022 will be another challenging year for EU migration policy. The Vienna based International Centre for Migration Policy Development presents a brief analysis of migration and policy trends and provides an outlook on developments and events to watch out.
January 31, 2022
EU Council President in Vienna: "Situation on the Russian-Ukrainian border worrisome"
European Council President Charles Michel was in Vienna to discuss the tense situation at Ukraine's border and other pressing issues with Chancellor Nehammer. Read about their discussion.
January 27, 2022
Brussels: Schallenberg Attends Ukraine Crisis Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers
Foreign Minister Schallenberg attended a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. The meeting, which U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also attended virtually, focused on the ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine. Read about the meeting and watch an interview with Foreign Minister Schallenberg.
January 26, 2022
Van der Bellen: New Year's Address to the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna
President Van der Bellen delivered his New Year's address to the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna. He talked about the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and more. Read what the president said and watch his speech.
January 24, 2022
Austria's Position on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain high as Russia still has thousands of troops stationed on the Ukrainian border. Read Austria's position on the issue.
January 22, 2022
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