Latest Headlines about International Organizations and UN Bodies

Read the latest headlines about developments at international organizations and the United Nations family in Vienna and Austria

Wiiw Forecast: Central and Eastern Europe Remain on Solid Growth Path Despite Trump’s Tariffs

Despite mounting global trade tensions, Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) economies are set to maintain strong growth in 2025, according to the latest Spring Forecast published by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw). The report highlights the region’s resilience in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies and broader global uncertainties.

Yesterday

Nuclear Dispute: Iran Urges Talks with Europe - Vienna and Oman as Key Factors

In the struggle to save the international nuclear agreement with Iran, Tehran wants to seek a meeting with the European signatory states before a possible new round of talks with the USA. According to diplomats, such a meeting could take place soon if the planned round of negotiations with the United States comes to fruition. In the meantime, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called on Iran to explain suspicious facilities near its suspected nuclear sites.

April 28, 2025

Austria Backs Multilateralism and Calls for Strengthening of International Cooperation in Vienna

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger opened the constituent meeting of the Council for Austrian Integration and Foreign Policy (RIA) in Vienna. In her speech, she emphasized the central role of multilateral organizations such as the EU, the UN, and the OSCE in ensuring security and stability in the face of global tensions.

April 17, 2025

OSCE Secretary General Emphasizes Central Role of the Organization for Europe's Security at Antalya Diplomacy Forum

At this year's Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) was the focus of numerous discussions on the future of the European security architecture. The Secretary General of the OSCE, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, emphasized the importance of the organization as a platform for dialogue, stability, and multilateral cooperation.

April 17, 2025

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi Visits China

During a week-long visit to China, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), achieved significant progress in enhancing cooperation between the IAEA and China. The discussions focused on promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy, supporting sustainable development in the Global South, and advancing innovative nuclear technologies.

April 15, 2025

Meet Egypt's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna​

Meet Mohamed Ibrahim Nasr Salem, Egypt's new Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna.

April 10, 2025

Voices from Vienna Against Republika Srpska Leaders Amid Constitutional Crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In an unprecedented diplomatic move, Austria and Germany have imposed targeted travel bans against three high-ranking officials from Republika Srpska (RS) – including RS President Milorad Dodik – accusing them of endangering the constitutional integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Meanwhile, the OSCE condemned legislative and institutional moves undermining BiH’s sovereignty and legal structure as well as assuring the organization's support for stability in the region.

April 9, 2025

New UN Ambassador Gregor W. Kössler: An Experienced Diplomat for Austria's Voice in New York

Gregor W. Kössler, Austria's new Permanent Representative to the United Nations, presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Meet Ambassador Gregor W. Kössler, Austria's top diplomat in New York City.

April 2, 2025

India and the IAEA Intensify Cooperation: Focus on Nuclear Energy for Development and Health

During a high-level visit to India, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is strengthening cooperation with New Delhi in the areas of nuclear energy, training and the fight against cancer. A new hub for cancer treatment, a course in nuclear technology, and a clear geopolitical signal are the focus.

April 1, 2025

Former Chancellor Karl Nehammer Nominated for Top Job at EU Bank

Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) has nominated former Federal Chancellor and ex-ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer for a position on the Board of Directors of the European Investment Bank (EIB).

April 1, 2025

Hope for De-escalation: Iran and IAEA Continued Talks on Nuclear Program

A new attempt to revive cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) gives cause for hope. A meeting in Vienna between IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi marks a potential turning point in an increasingly tense geopolitical conflict over Iran's nuclear program.

March 31, 2025

Austria Wants to Join the UN Security Council: Meinl-Reisinger Launches Campaign in New York

Austria's Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) has launched the official campaign for Austria's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027/28 in New York. She used emphatic words to call for the preservation of the rules-based international order and campaigned for Austria's renewed entry into the most powerful body of the United Nations.

March 26, 2025

Iran Demands Conditions for Nuclear Negotiations With the USA

The Iranian government is prepared to accept the negotiations on its nuclear program offered by US President Donald Trump but has set clear conditions regarding the sanctions against the Iranian economy, society, and the state itself.

March 23, 2025

UN High Commissioner Volker Türk: Israel's Settlement Construction in the West Bank Condemned as a War Crime

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has sharply criticized Israel for accelerating settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories and described it as a war crime. A recent report by his office documents numerous violations of international law by Israel. “The transfer of parts of its civilian population into the territory occupied by Israel is tantamount to a war crime,” explained Türk.

March 18, 2025

Austrian Chancellor Stocker and Austrian EU Commissioner Brunner Discuss New EU Migration Policy

Chancellor Christian Stocker received EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner for a meeting at the Federal Chancellery. The meeting focused on measures to combat irregular migration and the reform of the European asylum system. Brunner recently presented a new proposal for an EU Return Regulation, which provides for more efficient deportations and establishing return centers outside the EU. Austria and Stocker have signaled their support for this initiative to their party colleague and are pushing for its swift implementation.

March 18, 2025

UNODC Reports That Opium Prices in Afghanistan Reach Historic Highs

The price of opium in Afghanistan soared to $750 per kilogram in 2024, marking a tenfold increase compared to the $75 per kilogram price in 2022 before the country’s de facto authorities imposed a strict drug ban. This data comes from a new report released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

March 14, 2025

Vienna as a UN Location More Important Than Ever: Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Reaffirms Austria's Commitment

Vienna is considered one of the most important UN locations in the world. Austria's Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger visited the Vienna International Centre (VIC) to emphasize the importance of the UN headquarters for Austria and the international community. In talks with high-ranking UN representatives, she reaffirmed Austria's support for multilateral cooperation and the rules-based world order. But what specific tasks does the UN perform in Vienna and why are they more urgent than ever today?

March 13, 2025

Austria Threatened by Recession: Finance Minister Marterbauer Warns of Difficult Year Ahead

Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) made a grim forecast for the Austrian economy at a meeting of the EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) in Brussels. According to Marterbauer, the country must expect a recession in 2025. This could have far-reaching consequences for the budget and the government's ability to act financially. Despite this negative development, the federal government is sticking to its goal of avoiding an EU deficit procedure.

March 12, 2025

Sweden Takes Over Chairmanship of ICMPD: New Impetus for European Migration Policy

The Kingdom of Sweden has officially taken over the chairmanship of the steering group of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for the year 2025. The handover ceremony occurred at the Swedish Permanent Representation in Brussels, where Migration Minister Johan Forssell took over from Greece. Sweden will play a central role in shaping European migration policy by assuming the presidency.

March 12, 2025

Meet Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna

The new Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations in Vienna, Yurii Vitrenko, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Yurii Vitrenko, the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna.

March 11, 2025

ICMPD Director General Meets Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister

Michael Spindelegger, Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), met with Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov to discuss enhanced cooperation. Key topics included support for Ukrainian refugees, the work of the newly established Ministry of National Unity, and ICMPD’s role in migration policy.

March 11, 2025

Innovative Solutions for Inclusive Employment and ICT: The Zero Project Conference 2025 in Vienna

The future of inclusion and accessibility is being shaped by innovation and collaboration. In an increasingly digitalized world, ensuring equal opportunities for people with disabilities has become a crucial global priority. The Zero Project Conference 2025, held at the United Nations Office in Vienna with over 120 sessions and 360 speakers, served as a platform for exchanging ideas, presenting pioneering technologies, and fostering global partnerships to drive change.

March 10, 2025

Progress and Deadlocks: 63rd Round of the Geneva International Discussions

The 63rd round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) took place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Under the leadership of the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the European Union (EU), representatives of various conflict parties gathered to discuss security issues and humanitarian concerns in the region. While some progress was made, key topics remained unresolved due to diplomatic tensions.

March 10, 2025

Austrian FM Meinl-Reisinger Signals European Cooperation with her First Trip Abroad

With her first foreign trip to Brussels, Austria’s new Foreign Minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, has sent an unequivocal signal for European cooperation. In discussions with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and EU Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs, Magnus Brunner, the focus was on the close cooperation between Austria and the EU.

March 9, 2025

UN in Vienna Warns: Europe Poorly Prepared for Dangerous Synthetic Drugs

The rapid spread of synthetic drugs poses a growing threat to public health and is fundamentally changing global drug black markets. The United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) in Vienna warns in its latest annual report that Europe is ill-prepared for this danger and that a coordinated, determined strategy is needed to combat the threat.

March 4, 2025

OSCE Secretary General Reaffirms Support for Ukraine During Kyiv Visit

The Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, recently visited Kyiv to reaffirm the organization's commitment to supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing war. Over the course of his two-day visit, he held high-level discussions with Ukrainian officials, emphasizing the urgent need for peace and the OSCE’s role in addressing the humanitarian and security challenges facing the country.

February 25, 2025

Austria Strengthens Commitment to IAEA in Tackling Nuclear Security Challenges

Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to discuss pressing global nuclear issues. Their talks covered Iran’s nuclear program, security risks in Ukraine, and the IAEA’s role in international disarmament efforts.

February 23, 2025

Austrian National Council President Discusses Ukraine Crisis with Deputy Chairwoman of the Verkhovna Rada

Ahead of the winter session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Austrian National Council President Walter Rosenkranz met with Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Chairwoman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and Austria’s humanitarian assistance. The meeting focused on the broader implications of Russian aggression, Austria’s role in supporting Ukraine within the limits of its neutrality, and the challenges of post-war reconstruction.

February 19, 2025

Brunner Meets Meloni: Talks on Returns and Asylum Centers in Albania

EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) has met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome for an intensive exchange on current migration issues. It was Brunner's first visit to Italy since his appointment as EU Commissioner for Migration.

February 19, 2025

OSCE Special Representative Visits Moldova for the Settlement Process of the Transnistrian Conflict

The OSCE Chairmanship's Special Representative for the Transnistria Conflict, Ambassador Thomas Lenk, has made his first official visit to the Republic of Moldova. The visit aimed to assess the current status of the Transnistria conflict resolution process and to promote dialog and confidence-building measures between the parties to the conflict.

February 16, 2025

Global Migration in 2025: ICMPD Identifies Challenges and Strategies

Global migration in 2025 will be characterized by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and new political dynamics. The International Migration Outlook 2025 published by the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) identifies key issues that will shape global migration and states' responses to it.

February 16, 2025

Chancellor and Minister Schallenberg Attended Munich Security Conference

The 61st Munich Security Conference, held from February 14 to 16, 2025, served as a crucial platform for global leaders to address pressing international security challenges. Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg took part in the event, engaging in high-level discussions on key geopolitical issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

February 16, 2025

European Commission Sues Seven Member States Including Austria for Failure to Implement the NPL Directive

The European Commission has filed a complaint against Austria and six other EU Member States with the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The reason: these countries have not transposed the EU Non-Performing Loans (NPL) Directive into national law on time.

February 12, 2025

Austria at Unprecedented Low in International Corruption Ranking

Political scandals, a lack of transparency and structural deficits have brought Austria to a new low in the international corruption index. Transparency International is sounding the alarm and calling for far-reaching reforms to restore trust in the rule of law.

February 11, 2025

Minister and Chancellor Schallenberg Met with his Luxembourgian Counterpart

Austria and Luxembourg have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a rule-based international order. This was the central theme of a recent bilateral meeting between Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel in Vienna. The discussions underscored the importance of diplomatic dialogue and international cooperation in addressing pressing global issues.

February 6, 2025

Wiiw Forecast: Economic Growth in Central and Eastern Europe Defies Global Uncertainties

Despite weakening industry, private consumption remains a strong growth driver and makes a significant contribution to the region's economic stability. At the same time, the unpredictable economic policy decisions of the USA under President Trump pose considerable risks for the export-oriented countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

February 4, 2025

Slovenia Takes over the Presidency of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River

Slovenia has officially assumed the presidency of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) for 2025. Dr. Lidija Globevnik, Director-General of the Slovenian Water and Marine Directorate at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, succeeds the previous Slovak President, Vladimír Novák. The annual rotation of the presidency highlights the ICPDR's ongoing commitment to sustainable and coordinated water management in the Danube region.

February 3, 2025

Poland as a New Military Power in Europe: A Bulwark against Russia and a New Strategic Leadership Role in the EU

In recent years, Poland has developed into one of Europe's most important defense powers. Given the ongoing threat from Russia, Warsaw is focusing on a massive rearmament, stronger military cooperation with allies, and an active role in European security policy. By assuming the EU Council Presidency in January 2025, Poland will also have the opportunity to anchor its security policy priorities at the European level and set a new security policy course.

February 2, 2025

Poland Takes Over EU Council Presidency: Ceremonial Opening by Polish Embassy in Vienna

The Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union was ceremoniously opened in the magnificent ballroom of Vienna City Hall by the Polish Embassy in Vienna. Around 180 high-ranking guests from politics, diplomacy, business, and society took part in the festive event, which marked a symbolic start to Poland's six-month term at the head of the Council of the European Union.

February 2, 2025

OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu Completed First Official Visits

Türkiye's top diplomat, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, has been appointed the new Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). He will take office at the beginning of 2025 and will lead the world's largest regional security organization during a time of global crises and geopolitical tensions. The unanimous election of the 57 OSCE member states underlines the international trust in his many years of experience and diplomatic expertise.

January 29, 2025

Austria's Finance Minister Mayr Must Explain Letter to Brussels in Austrian Parliament

Finance Minister Gunter Mayr is facing a political test. At the initiative of the SPÖ, the Standing Subcommittee on EU Affairs must meet to discuss the letter with which the coalition negotiators wanted to avert the threat of deficit proceedings by the EU. According to regulations, the meeting must take place within the next two weeks. The focus will be on the planned austerity measures amounting to 6.4 billion euros outlined in the letter to the EU Commission.

January 21, 2025

Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg Awarded “Arms Control Person of the Year”

A significant success for international diplomacy: Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and the Austrian Foreign Ministry have been named “Arms Control Person of the Year” in 2024 by the renowned US Arms Control Association (ACA). This prestigious award recognizes the special commitment of Schallenberg and his team to the regulation of autonomous weapons systems (AWS) as well as the organization of the Vienna conference “Humanity at the Crossroads: Autonomous Weapons Systems and the Challenge of Regulation”.

January 15, 2025

OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu Travels to Helsinki for His First Official Visit

The Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, is expected to make his first official visit to the Finnish capital Helsinki on 16 January 2025. The visit marks an important stage in his still young term of office, which he took up in December 2024. In addition to talks with high-ranking Finnish politicians and diplomats, the focus will be on security policy issues, which are urgent in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

January 15, 2025

Austria Confirms Brussels Budget Negotiations and Resilience of International Partnerships

Over the past few days, Austria has been at the center of European attention in several respects. While Finance Minister Gunter Mayr presented a new budget path in Brussels, interim head of government Alexander Schallenberg focused on strengthening international relations during his inaugural visit to the EU. Both developments are crucial for Austria's role within the European Union.

January 13, 2025

Susanne Raab: Austria's Candidate for the Head of the ICMPD

The Austrian Federal Minister for Women, Family, Integration, and Media, Susanne Raab, has officially announced her candidacy as Director General of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). After the end of the current government, Raab intends to continue her career at the international level. The election for the new head of the ICMPD will take place in spring 2025 by the representatives of the 21 member states.

January 12, 2025

Belarus Refuses OSCE Election Observation: International Concern Grows

The Belarusian government's decision not to invite the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to observe the upcoming presidential elections on 26 January has caused international criticism and concern. The OSCE, in particular the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), strongly condemned this step and warned of the consequences for the country's democratic development.

January 9, 2025

ECJ Ruling Censures Austrian Data Protection Authority: Excessive Complaints or Structural Problem?

A ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) caused quite a stir: The Austrian Data Protection Authority (DSB) was reprimanded by the ECJ because it had rejected the processing of complaints as “excessive” due to their sheer number. The Court clarified that such a limitation of complaints is inadmissible as long as no abusive intention on the part of the complainant can be proven.

January 9, 2025

UN General Assembly Adopts Cybercrime Convention: A Step for UNODC for International Security

In a unanimous decision, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the first international cybercrime convention. Hailed by many as a historic achievement, this convention marks the first UN agreement on crime-related issues in over 20 years. In an increasingly digitalized world, the new convention aims to strengthen international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime and shape a safer digital future.

January 2, 2025

Finland Takes Over OSCE Chairmanship: Focus on Resilience and Ukraine Support

In 2025, the 50th anniversary year of the Helsinki Final Act, Finland will assume the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). With a clear focus on strengthening the resilience of the participating states and the organization, Finland is taking on a central role in Europe, marked by geopolitical tensions.

January 2, 2025

Switzerland Will Assume the OSCE Chairmanship in 2026

Switzerland will assume the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2026. This was announced today by Ian Borg, Malta's Deputy Prime Minister and Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE. The 57 participating states of the organization took the decision unanimously and underlined their collective confidence in the OSCE's ability to act.

December 30, 2024