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
Ukraine Seeks Austrian Support for EU Membership
A Ukrainian delegation is currently in Austria to seek supporters for their country's EU accession. After Ukraine officially submitted its ambitions to the European Union, a recommendation from the European Commission is now eagerly awaited to determine whether Ukraine should be granted candidate status. Read on to find out more.
May 18, 2022
Finland and Sweden Submit Applications to Join NATO
With Russia posing a threat to Finland and Sweden through its attack on Ukraine, both countries decided to join NATO. The ambassadors of Finland and Sweden handed over the relevant documents to NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg this morning.
May 18, 2022
Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting: OSCE Emphasizes Importance of Key Principles of Democracy
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe is organizing the Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting, emphasizing the importance of democratic principles, human rights and independent media work and how the Russian invasion of Ukraine is threatening these principles in Europe.
May 17, 2022
Russia and Allies Held Summit in Moscow
The Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) held a meeting in Moscow to strengthen Russia's alliance with military partners like Belarus, Kazahkstan, Armenia, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan and to condemn the West. The CSTO and its Collective Security Council meeting were held in honor of the 30th anniversary of the treaty and the 20th anniversary of the organization.
May 17, 2022
Positive Dynamics in the Enlargement of the Western Balkans
The future Presidency of the Council of the Czech Republic recently led Austria's Minister for Europe Edtstadler to the Czech Minister for EU Affairs Mikuláš Bek to discuss this very topic with him. The two partners discussed the impact of the Ukraine conflict and what measures the Czech Republic would be confronted with in the near future.
May 17, 2022
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels
The Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union met in Brussels. The Russian war of aggression on Ukraine and the planned sixth sanctions package against Russia in response to it were central topics.
May 16, 2022
IAEA on the Status of Ukraine's Nuclear Security
The Russian aggression on Ukraine threatens Ukraine's nuclear security. The IAEA reports new news regarding Ukraine's nuclear safety. The data link to Chernobyl is fully operational again, but the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which is under Russian control, allows only limited access for IAEA personnel.
May 15, 2022
Council of Experts Publishes Analysis on Perspectives of Ukrainian Displaced Persons in Austria
In order to facilitate the integration of Ukrainians seeking protection who come to Austria, the Expert Council for Integration prepared a position paper on the perspectives of these very displaced persons. The recommendations in various areas such as work, education, social engagement and help for women will be taken into account by politicians in the future and actively integrated into projects.
May 13, 2022
War in Ukraine Continues to Dominate Austria's Economic Outlook
In a recently published report, the Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO) gives an insight into Austria's economic situation and forecasts the development of the economy over the next few years. The Omikron wave and the war in Ukraine will continue to slow down Austria's economic growth in the next few years and no relief is expected for the time being. Nevertheless, there is also good news concerning the labour market.
May 12, 2022
Austrian Finance Minister Elected Chairman of the Board of Governors of EBRD
With Magnus Brunner, the EBRD is getting an Austrian as the new Chairman of the Board of Governors. Austria's Finance Minister succeeds the Portuguese Finance Minister and will hold the office for one year. Brunner takes over this position at an enormously important time, as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is playing a central role in the reconstruction of Ukraine with its financial resources.
May 12, 2022
Further Funding of Integration Projects for Ukrainians in Austria
The Austrian government recently initiated a special call for project proposals. The aim is to facilitate the integration of Ukrainian displaced persons in Austria and to give them access to social life. The projects are financed with funds from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the Federal Chancellery.
May 11, 2022
Meeting Between Antonio Guterres and Karl Nehammer Dominated by the Ukraine Crisis
UN Secretary General António Guterres met with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer today to discuss current issues such as the war in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic. Both partners were convinced of the importance of continuing to negotiate with the Russian aggressor and discussed Austria's role in mediating peace.
May 11, 2022
Pro-Russian Authorities in Kherson Want to Ask Russia For Annexation
Russia accomplished in its war efforts in Ukraine to occupy Kherson. The pro-Russian authorities, installed by the Kremlin, in occupied Kherson plan to ask for the southern Ukrainian region's incorporation into Russia.
May 11, 2022
UN Secretary General António Guterres Met Austria's President Alexander Van Der Bellen in Vienna
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres is currently visiting Vienna and met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. The main topic of conversation was the conflict in Ukraine and its international ramifications.
May 11, 2022
Czech Republic Replaces Russia In UN Human Rights Council
Following Russia's departure from the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Czech Republic has been elected to the body by the UN General Assembly.
May 10, 2022
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Visits Bulgaria and North Macedonia
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg travels to Bulgaria and Northern Macedonia to promote EU enlargement in the Western Balkans. Especially against the backdrop of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, stable and European-oriented Balkans are important.
May 10, 2022
Why May 9 Is Important For Russia: Putin Tries to Justify War in Ukraine
Russia today celebrates the Day of Victory over Fascism. For Russia, this holiday is a national sanctuary, for Putin's Russia the most important day for propaganda. Read more about May 9 and its importance for Russia?
May 9, 2022
Europe Day 2022: A Day in the Spirit of a United Continent
Today, 9 May, Europe Day is celebrated all over Europe. Many events are held to celebrate peace and cohesion in Europe. Alexander Van der Bellen also gave a speech in the House of the European Union and underlined the importance of European unity and condemned the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, which is particularly dependent on the help of its European allies in such difficult times.
May 9, 2022
Will Russia Hold Referendums in Eastern Ukraine or Step Up Its War Effort
The war in Ukraine is raging and the Ukrainians are defending themselves against the more powerful Russian forces, which, however, have faltered. The question that arises is what strategy Russia will now adopt. There are signs of referendums in eastern Ukraine and of stepping up the Russian war effort.
May 5, 2022
Protection of the European Single Market: European Commission Wants to Control Third-Country Subsidies
The European Commission has presented a new proposal to combat competition-distorting subsidies from third countries. The background for the proposal is the increasing global imbalance between companies from the EU and those from third countries. This is primarily to counter the influence of China and Chinese companies in Europe.
May 5, 2022
Fight Against Trafficking in Women: Intervention Center Established
To combat sexual exploitation of children and women from Ukraine, the Federal Criminal Police Office recently set up a hotline where those affected can report. In recent weeks, the number of people seeking protection, mostly women and children, had increased enormously, providing easy game for human traffickers and increasing the risk of human trafficking, smuggling, sexual exploitation and coercion into prostitution.
May 5, 2022
Number of Hungry People Further Increased in 2021
The number of people going hungry worldwide continued to rise in 2021. Several factors contributed to the increase, including conflicts, economic crises, and weather extremes, according to a report released today by the Network Against Food Crises.
May 4, 2022
Austria Provides Record 46 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine
In order to provide relief for the suffering of the Ukrainian population, the Austrian federal government is providing a further 46 million euros. The sum is to benefit humanitarian causes in Ukraine and the affected region and is the highest disbursement ever.
May 4, 2022
Austria and the Indecision for the Gas Embargo
The war in Ukraine has been raging for two months. To stop Russia, a great many countries have imposed tough sanctions on Russia. Many European countries and the U.S.A. want to impose a gas embargo on Russia. Austria is still very cautious about this step.
May 3, 2022
Press Freedom Day: Independent Media Essential in Times of War
On International Press Freedom Day, numerous international organizations highlight the importance of free journalism and the need for access to independent media. This year, the focus is on the war in Ukraine, which is characterized by propaganda and disinformation campaigns. Austria also has some catching up to do in these matters, according to a ranking by Reporters Without Borders. Read on if you want to learn more!
May 3, 2022
Russia Hides Its Operations in Ukraine From the OSCE
The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine will be suspended, due to the lack of consensus at the OSCE Permanent Council on 31 March 2022 to extend the Mission’s mandate. In the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, Russia torpedoed the OSCE and wants as little international attention as possible on its military operations in Ukraine.
May 2, 2022
Austrian Efforts to Support Ukrainian Refugees
Austria is assuring support for Ukrainian refugees. Austria takes care legally, financially and in humanitarian terms that Ukrainian refugees feel welcome in Austria. Read more about Austria's efforts to support Ukrainian refugees in Austria.
May 1, 2022
Hungarian-Austrian Relations: National Council Presidents Köver and Sobotka Led Virtual Meeting
Hungarian National Council President László Kövér and his counterpart Wolfgang Sobotka recently held a virtual meeting to discuss current issues. The main topic, as in so many meetings these days, was the war in Ukraine and its impact on Europe. If you want to know what else was discussed, read on!
April 29, 2022
UN Secretary General Guterres in Ukraine: "We Will Not Give Up”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during a visit to the capital Kiev, expressed courage to Ukraine and assured its full support. He condemned the Russian attacks and promised to continue providing aid and financial resources. During his speech, 2 bombs, among others, hit the Ukrainian capital.
April 29, 2022
How the European Union Is Providing Humanitarian Help to Ukraine
In Ukraine, the war has been raging for about two months now. The situation for people in Ukraine is miserable and the constant fighting makes normal life impossible. The European Union also provides humanitarian support to Ukraine. Read more about the EU's humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
April 28, 2022
Amendment to the Law: Improved Integration Measures and Professional Recognition for Ukrainians in Austria
The Austrian National Council is currently working on an amendment to the law, which should enable Ukrainian displaced persons to get better access to integration and educational opportunities. In addition, it will be easier in the future to have professional qualifications recognized in Austria if various documents are not presentable.
April 28, 2022
Population Growth in Austria: Ukrainian Immigration Provides for Over 9 Million Inhabitants
The population in Austria recorded particularly high growth in the first quarter of 2022, pushing the number of inhabitants to over 9 million for the first time. The main reason for this is the large number of temporarily housed Ukrainian aid seekers who have come to Austria in recent months to flee the Russian war of aggression.
April 27, 2022
Humanitarian Crisis in Mariupol: UN Calls for Immediate Cessation of Fighting
The humanitarian catastrophe in Mariupol continues to escalate, and more and more trapped civilians are fighting for their survival. Now, several UN-Organizations are calling on the Russian war leadership to establish humanitarian escape corridors and to cease hostilities immediately.
April 26, 2022
Impact of the Ukraine War: Sobotka Meets Swiss National Council President Irène Kälin
During a visit to Switzerland, the Swiss President of the National Council Irène Kälin received Austria's National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka to discuss the situation in the Ukraine war and its consequences. Both condemned the Russian actions and promised to help each other through this difficult situation. Read on if you want to learn more about the conversation.
April 26, 2022
Women Refugees From Ukraine Particularly At Risk
The war in Ukraine is already in its ninth week. The Russian invasion caused many people to leave the country, especially women and children. These groups are particularly vulnerable to exploitation by criminal structures and others with malicious intentions.
April 25, 2022
Russian Proxies Have Detained OSCE Officials in Donetsk and Luhansk
OSCE special monitoring mission members have been arrested and detained in Donetsk and Luhansk. The OSCE calls for the immediate release of detained OSCE officials.
April 25, 2022
Austria and IMF Extend Agreement on Joint Vienna Institute
The Joint Vienna Institute, a cooperation between the IMF and the Austrian government, is to be extended. The program, which is designed to help foreign countries become market economies, has been in existence for 30 years.
April 25, 2022
Ukraine: IOM and the Austrian Ministry of the Interior Launch Joint Project for War-Displaced Persons
A joint project of the International Organization for Migration and the Austrian Ministry of the Interior, aims to help Ukrainian protection seekers with numerous assistance offers. The project will run with 400,000 euros until the end of August and can be extended if necessary.
April 25, 2022
How the Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis Affects Life in Vienna
The humanitarian crisis created by Russia's brutal war in Ukraine can now be felt in Vienna. Read how the crisis is affecting life in Vienna.
April 25, 2022
IAEA on the Current Status of Ukraine's Nuclear Security
The Russian aggression on Ukraine threatens Ukraine's nuclear security. A watchful IAEA is monitoring the situation very closely and expressed concern.
April 22, 2022
IAEA Director-General Chief Grossi Will Lead Assistance Mission to Ukraine’s Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine threatens the country's nuclear security. The country has many nuclear power plants and Russian troops were entrenched in Chernobyl until a few weeks ago. To maintain nuclear safety efforts at Chernobyl, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director-General of the IAEA, will lead an assistance mission to Ukraine’s Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
April 22, 2022
War Crimes in Ukraine: Austria Supports International Criminal Court
In order to help uncover the war crimes committed by the Russian army in Ukraine, the state of Austria is providing the International Criminal Court with a sum of 100,000 euros. The sum will be used, among other things, to collect, analyze and process evidence to document the crimes committed.
April 22, 2022
UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Urged the Security Council to Stop the War in Ukraine
The UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Kelly T. Clements called on the United Nations Security Council to put aside its differences and find a solution to end the war in Ukraine. There have already been 5 million people who have fled Ukraine, and there are another 7 million internally displaced.
April 21, 2022
1,350 Ukrainian Displaced Persons Could be Accommodated by Private Apartments in Vienna
The residents of the city of Vienna already provided over 1,100 housing donations for Ukrainian aid seekers who had to flee from the war crimes committed by the Russian invaders. Thus, about 94% of Ukrainians could be accommodated in private shelters and facilitate the situation for public quarters.
April 21, 2022
Special Representatives of OSCE Chairman-in-Office Visit Council of Europe
Personal Representatives of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office for tolerance issues visited the Council of Europe. During this visit, meetings were held about Human Rights, Equality and Non-Discrimination. During the meetings, the representatives urged Russia to stop its invasion of Ukraine.
April 21, 2022
Production of ID Cards for Displaced Ukrainians - 40,000 Copies Already Manufactured
The production of the ID card for displaced persons, continues to progress. So far, 40,000 cards have been produced for the 56,000 registered Ukrainian aid seekers and 30,000 have already been issued. This document is enormously important for war refugees in Austria, as it allows, among other things, access to the Austrian labor market, or internal travel within the EU.
April 14, 2022
Ukrainian Ambassador Khymynets Thanks Austrian Communities for Hosting Refugees
Ukrainian Ambassador Khymynets thanked Austrian communities for hosting refugees from Ukraine. Close cooperation between Austrian and Ukrainian communities is planned.
April 14, 2022
U.S. and UK Sanction Individuals in the Balkans
The Balkan states are plagued by corruption, which only fosters an unstable situation. The Balkans are important for the stability of Europe and especially in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Balkans remain important for the West. That is why the U.S. and UK have sanctioned individuals.
April 13, 2022
OSCE Publishes Report on Russian War Crimes in Ukraine
The OSCE recently presented a report in Vienna on the documentation of war crimes in Ukraine. A delegation of the OSCE saw "clear signs" of violations of international humanitarian law by the Russian aggressor. Detailed elaborations on individual events had not been possible, but some cases of human rights violations could be proven.
April 13, 2022
Meeting of the C5 in Prague - Central European Countries Discuss Czech Republic's Upcoming Council Presidency
At a meeting of the C5 in Prague, representatives of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and Austria discussed the consequences for Europe of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine and discussed the upcoming Czech presidency.
April 13, 2022
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