Latest Headlines about International Organizations and UN Bodies

President Macron Meets with EU Interior Ministers to Discuss Asylum and Immigration

French President Emmanuel Macron met with Interior Minister Karner and his EU counterparts to discuss asylum and immigration and other priorities of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Read what the French president said and what was agreed upon at the meeting of the EU interior ministers.

February 7, 2022

Blinken Lifts Sanctions on Iran's Civilian Nuclear Program to Advance Vienna Negotiations

The U.S. has lifted sanctions reimposed by Trump on Iran's civilian nuclear program as part of negotiations in Vienna.

February 6, 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

Lunar New Year 2022: Austria's Chinese Community Welcomes the Year of the Tiger

People around the world recently celebrated the ushering in of the Year of the Tiger. Read more about the Lunar New Year, one of the most important Chinese holidays.

February 3, 2022

Opec and Non-OPEC Members Agree Further Gradual Increase in Oil Production

At the 25th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting (ONOMM), the oil-producing countries decided upon a gradual increase in oil production for March. Read about this and the other decisions made at the meeting.

February 2, 2022

Nuclear Watchdog Steps Up Drive to Strengthen Global Nuclear Non-Proliferation Regime

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is seeking to convince more countries to join in giving IAEA inspectors wider access to locations and information as part of a push to further bolster the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.

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

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

"National Carrier" in German Ownership is Proud to Fly the Austrian Olympic Team to Beijing

The "Austrian Airlines" aircraft with flight number OS63, chartered by the Austrian Olympic Team, took off from Vienna Airport to bring athletes including comprehensive equipment non-stop to Beijing.

January 28, 2022

Interpol Secretary General in Vienna: "Dangers to internal security in Europe originating on other continents"

The Secretary General of Interpol, Jürgen Stock, was in Vienna to meet with Interior Minister Karner to discuss security issues and the upcoming 100th anniversary of Interpol. Read about their meeting and the upcoming General Assembly in Vienna.

January 28, 2022

Vienna Nuclear Talks: Direct Contacts between Tehran and Washington Possible

Iranian leadership has suggested that Iran may be open to meeting directly with U.S. officials for negotiations to revive the Iran Nuclear Deal. Read about this significant stance change and what it means for the JCPOA.

January 27, 2022

United Nations: Guterres Appoints Volker Türk of Austria Under-Secretary-General for Policy in His Executive Office

Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment of Austrian lawyer and UN official as Under-Secretary-General for Policy in his Executive Office.

January 26, 2022

#WeRemember: Heads of Austrian, German, and Israeli Parliaments Meet Ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day

German Bundestag President Bärbel Bas and Israeli Knesset President Mickey Levy recently met with Austrian National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka in Berlin to discuss the fight against anti-Semitism and the #WeRemember campaign. Read about their meeting and this important campaign ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

January 26, 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

Meet the New Ambassadors of Congo, Bhutan, Burundi and Djibouti to Austria

The new Ambassadors of Congo, Bhutan, Burundi, and Djibouti to Austria presented their credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about these new ambassadors.

January 25, 2022

Risk of Disastrous Nuclear Conflict Higher Than Ever Before

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists kept the "doomsday clock" set at "100 seconds to midnight" yet again this year, arguing that current geopolitical tensions have put the risk of nuclear conflict higher than ever before. Read what has the scientists so worried and what Foreign Minister Schallenberg said about the threat.

January 25, 2022

European Leaders Take Unified Position Against Russian Aggression Against Ukraine

Several heads of state - including Ursula von der Leyen, Jens Stoltenberg, Boris Johnson, Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, Mario Draghi, Charles Michel and Polish President Andrzej Duda, representing the Chairmanship of the OSCE - took part in a virtual meeting organised by the President of the United States Joe Biden, on Russia’s continued military build-up in and around Ukraine and its implications for European and international security.

January 24, 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

Schallenberg on Russia's Aggression Toward Ukraine: "Dialogue where possible. Clear lines where necessary."

Foreign Minister Schallenberg gave a speech in the Austrian National Council in which he addressed the current tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Read what the foreign minister warned about the situation.

January 21, 2022

Kazakh Foreign Minister in Vienna Promises Investigation into the Unrest

Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Muchtar Tileuberdi met with Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Vienna, and the pair discussed the recent protests and violence in Kazakhstan. Read more about their discussion, and watch their joint press conference.

January 20, 2022

Meet the Permanent Representative of Russia to the OSCE, Mr. Alexander Lukashevich

The Head of Mission of the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in Vienna is Mr. Alexander Lukashevich. Learn more about his extensive career in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia and what he thinks of the status quo of the OSCE.

January 19, 2022

Meet Mordechai Rodgold, Israel's Ambassador to Vienna

H.E. Mr. Mordechai Rodgold is the current Ambassador of Israel to Austria. Learn more about Ambassador Rodgold and his impressive career.

January 19, 2022

Meet the New Mongolian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Tsengeg Mijiddorj

The new Ambassador of Mongolia to Austria, H.E. Mr. Tsengeg Mijiddorj, presented his credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about Ambassador Mijiddorj.

January 18, 2022

Schallenberg Cautions "Ukraine's Sovereignty Is Not Negotiable Under Any Circumstances"

Foreign Minister Schallenberg recently discussed the current tensions between Ukraine and Russia at a meeting with his counterparts from the EU in Brest, France. Read more about Schallenberg's stance on Ukraine and dealing with Russia in the context of Russia's troop buildup and a recent cyberattack on Ukraine.

January 17, 2022

U.S. and EU Establish "Transatlantic Coordination" Against Russia

Europe and the U.S. are closing ranks in the face of feared Russian aggression against Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and EU High Representative Josep Borrell are determined to "form a strong, clear and united transatlantic front," European Union External Action announced after a phone call between the two. According to the statement, they expressed their commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

January 16, 2022

Meet the New Canadian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Mr. Troy Barry Lulashnyk

The new Ambassador of Canada to Austria, H.E. Mr. Troy Barry Lulashnyk, presented his credentials to President Van der Bellen. Learn more about Mr. Lulashnyk.

January 14, 2022

What Is the OSCE Agenda for 2022?

After taking over the chairmanship of the OSCE in early January, Poland has now presented its priorities for 2022. Read the OSCE's goals according to the new OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Zbigniew Rau.

January 13, 2022

Meet the Ambassador of the UK to Austria and Permanent Representative to the Intl Organisations in Vienna, H.E. Ms. Lindsay Skoll

The new Ambassador of the UK to Austria and Permanent Representative of the UK to the International Organizations in Vienna is H.E. Ms. Lindsay Skoll. Learn more about Ms. Skoll and her impressive career.

January 13, 2022

NATO and Russian Leaders Say Differences "Will Be Hard to Bridge"

Representatives from NATO and Russia met in Brussels at the NATO-Russia Council to try to de-escalate the tensions between Russia and Ukraine and NATO. Read what each side is demanding and why the leaders say the differences "will be hard to bridge."

January 12, 2022

Resumption of the Vienna Nuclear Talks with Iran and Two New Ladies

Negotiations on reviving the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers are already continuing in Vienna. Two new representatives from Germany and the United Kingdom joined the talks at the start of the current round of negotiations. Find out who they are.

January 11, 2022

Crisis in Lebanon - Austria's 180 Men Help Counter Hezbollah

Foreign Minister Schallenberg is in Lebanon for a working visit to discuss the ongoing crisis the country is facing. Read more about Schallenberg's visit and how Austria plans to help Lebanon.

January 11, 2022

IAEA: This Is the Agenda for 2022

What's ahead for the VIC - Vienna International Centre based IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency and the global nuclear agenda in 2022? Here is a preview of the most important offline and online meetings.

January 11, 2022

OPEC: Kuwaiti Al-Ghais Succeeds Nigerian Barkindo as Secretary General

Mr. Haitham Al-Ghais of Kuwait was recently appointed as the next Secretary General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Read more about Mr. Al-Ghais, as well as the accomplishments of his predecessor Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo.

January 10, 2022

Covid in Austria: The Situation Among Refugees and People With Migrant Backgrounds

As the World Health Organization is reporting vaccine inequity for migrants in national vaccine rollouts around the world, Austria is attempting to vaccinate its migrant population by offering vaccinations at the integration centers throughout the country. Read about how this is going.

December 22, 2021

OECD: "Austria Is Set to Overcome the COVID-19 Shock and Its Economic Scars"

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released its latest Economic Survey of Austria. Read what the Survey says about the Austrian economy coming out of the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

December 20, 2021

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović Meets with Schallenberg

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović recently met with Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Vienna. Read about their discussion of various human rights issues.

December 20, 2021

IAEA’s Grossi Tours the UAE and Egypt

Director General Grossi visited the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi's Western Al Dhafra region and met with H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In Egypt he discussed COP27, climate change and cancer care with President Abdel Fattah Saeed Hussein Khalil El-Sisi.

December 18, 2021

Austrian Government Opposes Boycott of the China Winter Olympics

The Austrian government has expressed its opposition to a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in China. Read which countries support the boycott and what the Austrian government has said about it.

December 16, 2021

Priorities of Austrian Foreign Policy in the Face of Numerous Global Challenges in 2022

The Foreign Policy Committee of the Austrian National Council recently met to discuss some of the major global challenges going into 2022. Read which issues they discussed and Austria's stance on them.

December 15, 2021

Iran and IAEA Reach Agreement on Replacing Surveillance Cameras at Karaj Facility

After a hiatus of several months, Iran has agreed to allow the IAEA to resume monitoring a nuclear technology facility (centrifuge production site) in Iran's fourth-largest city of Karaj. In June, the facility had been the target of an act of sabotage allegedly involving Israel.

December 15, 2021

Portrait: Who Is Robert Malley, the Old and New U.S. Lead Negotiator of the Iran Nuclear Talks?

In 2021, Robert Malley was appointed U.S. Special Envoy for Iran, which means he is once again the lead negotiator for the U.S. in the Iran nuclear talks. Read about Mr. Malley's career and his efforts to limit Iran's nuclear activities.

December 15, 2021

Iran's Chief Negotiator at the Nuclear Talks Bagheri Kani Met Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg

Dr. Ali Bagheri Kani (54), Iran's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs and lead negotiator at the Vienna talks met with Austria's Foreign Minister Mag. Alexander Schallenberg.

December 15, 2021

Austria Offers to Build Bridges in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

In the EU Main Committee in the Austrian Parliament, Chancellor Nehammer offered for Austria to be a "bridge-builder" in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Read about the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine and Austria's efforts at de-escalation.

December 14, 2021

International Organizations Continue to Favor Austria as Their Seat

The hosting of international organizations is of great importance for Austrian foreign policy, secures 19,000 jobs and has a gross value added effect of € 1.35 billion per year.

December 13, 2021

Who Is Kazem Gharib Abadi, Iran's Former Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna?

After serving for over three years as Iran's Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna, Kazem Gharib Abadi is now the Vice-President of Iran’s Judiciary for International Affairs and Secretary-General of Iran's High Council for Human Rights. Read more about Mr. Gharib Abadi's career path.

December 13, 2021

Who Is China's Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna?

H. E. Mr. Wang Qun is Permanent Representative and Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary of the Permanent Mission of the PRC People's Republic of China to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Vienna.

December 12, 2021

Li Yong and UNIDO: The Career of a Mainland Chinese in a Multilateral Organization

With the departure of the Chinese Li Yong (70) from the helm of UNIDO, a golfing member of the Communist Party of China has left the influential post of Director General in a major multilateral institution after 8 years in office.

December 9, 2021

Iran Nuclear Talks In Vienna To Be Continued

Negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program and a return to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are set to continue in Vienna. Read about the ongoing effort to save the Iran Nuclear Deal.

December 9, 2021