Vienna International Guide - Austrian Lifestyle, Travel, Arts, Culture - Vindobona.org

Weekly Briefing: New Developments in Diplomacy

The Find out more about this week's developments. Austria's embassy in Baghdad will reopen after being vacant since 1991. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, will brief the United Nations Security Council about the nuclear safety situation at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzya Nuclear Power Plant. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

August 11, 2022

Integration of Ukrainian Children into the Austrian Education System

The Austrian Minister of Education, Martin Polaschek, presented a comprehensive package of measures designed to provide a solid foundation for the integration of young Ukrainians into Austria's schools and universities.

August 11, 2022

Film Festival at the Vienna City Hall Square

Until September 4, 2022, Europe's largest cultural and culinary festival will once again be held in the heart of Vienna. At Vienna's Rathausplatz, you can look forward to a summer event with culinary delights and musical highlights.

August 10, 2022

Real Wage Loss in Austria This Year Significantly Above EU Average

Austria will have to reckon with heavy losses in real wages in the future. This was the result of a recently published analysis, which predicted that Austria would occupy one of the weakest positions in the EU. Read on if you want to know how much money will be left over from your income in the future.

August 10, 2022

Worldwide Awards for Austria's Wines

In international trade magazines and at renowned wine competitions, Austrian wines generated enthusiastic voices and won top ratings, gold medals and coveted trophies.

August 9, 2022

Increase in Cases of Stolen U.S. Passports on Cross-Border Train Trips from Vienna

There is an increasing number of thefts of passports and other important and valuable items during train journeys, especially between Vienna-Budapest and Vienna-Prague.

August 9, 2022

Shia and Alevi Muslims Celebrate Ashura Festival

Ashura is considered the most important festival in Shia Islam and is significant for many Muslims worldwide. Devout Shiites and Alevis have gathered around the world for celebrations of the traditional festival of Ashura.

August 8, 2022

The Importance of Migrant Businesses for Vienna's Economy

It is common to see migrants run and maintain many businesses in Vienna. They offer a variety of different products and services, but they all share one thing: they make a significant contribution to the Viennese economy. In a new study, migrant businesses were examined and their impact on Austria's capital was clearly demonstrated.

August 8, 2022

Most Popular Congress Cities Worldwide: Vienna in 1st Place Despite COVID-19 Pandemic

As an ideal venue for international congresses and events, Vienna has built a reputation in the past. Now this reputation has been confirmed by the International Congress and Convention Association. The first congress statistics published by Vienna since the Covid-19 outbreak were published in 2021, placing it ahead of Lisbon and Athens as the world's top conference metropolis.

August 5, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Vienna Iran Nuclear Talks Back on Track

The Find out more about this week's developments. Negotiations with Iran to save the nuclear agreement have resumed in Vienna. The Ukrainian ambassador, Vasyl Khymynets, recently criticized the Austrian police. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

August 4, 2022

FIFA and UNODC Against Match-Fixing in Football

For the first time, FIFA and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have conducted a joint international training program to support FIFA's 211 member associations in the fight against match-fixing in football.

August 3, 2022

Vienna Mayor Ludwig Accepted Prize for Sustainable and Smart Urban Development in Singapore

The Republic of Singapore awarded the "Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize 2020" to the City of Vienna. Mayor Michael Ludwig accepted the internationally renowned award, during the World Cities Summit 2022 in Singapore.

August 2, 2022

Commemoration of the Genocides of Sinti and Roma

In Europe, the Nazis slaughtered hundreds of thousands of Sinti and Roma people. Prominent Austrian politicians, like Alexander Van der Bellen and Michael Ludwig, attended the commemoration of the Roma Holocaust Memorial Day. The OSCE also declared the importance of this day and commemorated the victims.

August 2, 2022

Global Peace Index: Austria Achieves Top Ranking

A global peace index is published every year by the Institute for Economics & Peace. The index evaluates the state of peace around the world and identifies the countries whose peace is highest and lowest. Austria achieved a top result this year. See which countries have the most peaceful climate below!

August 2, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Rising Migration in Austria

The Find out more about this week's developments. For Austria, new questions arise about the migration and integration of refugees. The coronavirus quarantine ends in August. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

July 28, 2022

Foreigners in Austria: More Than a Quarter of the Austrian Population Has a Migration Background

A new study by Statistics Austria analysed the countries of origin of Austrians and found that more than a quarter of the Austrian population has a migration background. If you want to know where most foreigners in Austria come from and how much the proportion has increased in recent years, read on.

July 28, 2022

European Forum Alpbach Will be Opened by Moldovan President Maia Sandu

The Moldovan President, Maia Sandu, will attend the opening of this year's European Forum Alpbach (EFA) together with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen on August 22. At the start of the event, they will jointly address the EFA's annual theme, The New Europe, and discuss what consequences, in light of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine, Europe must draw from its current weakness and its inaction in the past.

July 27, 2022

Opening of the Salzburg Festival: "Culture as a Counter Model to Barbarism"

The Salzburg Festival has been ceremoniously opened. In addition to rousing speakers such as author Ilija Trojanow and Festival President Kristina Hammer, the Austrian Federal President also appealed to the unity of Europe.

July 27, 2022

Wirecard Scandal: New Indications for Marsalek's Stay in Moscow

Former Wirecard board member Jan Marsalek, who has been in hiding for two years, could be living in Moscow under the protection of Russian intelligence services.

July 26, 2022

End of Mandatory Quarantine in Austria

The coronavirus quarantine ends in August. This was confirmed by Health Minister Johannes Rauch. Accordingly, anyone who does not feel ill can leave the house even after a positive CoV test but is subject to traffic restrictions.

July 26, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Austria Strengthens Diplomacy Towards Eastern Europe

The Find out more about this week's developments. The Austrian Foreign Minister visited Ukraine together with Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. Vienna strengthens bilateral relations with neighboring countries in Eastern Europe. Read more about this week's developments in diplomacy in Vienna and the World.

July 21, 2022

Austria has the Highest Share of Female Startups in the EU

The Federal Ministry of Labor and Economy (BMAW) had surveyed the financing situation of female startups for Austria and Europe and discussed it at a startup breakfast together with representatives of the startup community at the BMAW. At 36 percent, Austria currently has the highest proportion of female startups in the EU.

July 20, 2022

Vienna Enables Compatibility of Work and Family

The daycare center statistics published annually by Statistics Austria have shown Vienna's path in the field of elementary education to be positive.

July 18, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Newest Developments in Diplomacy and Vienna

Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria. The Georgian Prime Minister visited Austria and Vienna enables Ukrainian displaced persons to graduate from Ukrainian high school. In addition, Austria's Chancellor visited Israel and concluded an important agreement there. Furthermore, expats in Austria appreciate the high quality of life, but do not feel welcome. Read more about this week's developments.

July 14, 2022

French Community in Vienna Celebrates the French National Day (Bastille Day)

On 14 July, France celebrates National Day. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, as well as the Federation Festival (Fête de la Fédération) in 1790, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution after the popular uprising that year.

July 14, 2022

Bregenz Festival: A Month of Culture and Music

In July and August, the Bregenz Festival presents a wide variety of musical selections, including the first stage production of Giacomo Puccini's "Madame Butterfly".

July 13, 2022

Expats in Austria Satisfied With Quality of Life but Complain About Rude Locals

According to the newly published "Expat Insider Study 2022", expats living in Austria have mixed feelings about the country. On the one hand, they praise the high quality of life in the country, but on the other hand they find the Austrian population unusually unfriendly. In the end, Austria was only ranked 24th out of a total of 52.

July 12, 2022

"Award for Innovation in Africa" Awarded for the First Time in Austria

The "Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa" was awarded for the first time this week to African start-ups, all of which were dedicated to the topic of digital health. The three winners come from Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe and can look forward to prize money of 250,000 euros each. Read on to find out what goals the respective projects have set themselves.

July 12, 2022

Austrian National Bank Expects Highest Inflation Rate in 50 Years

In a recent analysis, the Austrian National Bank expects inflation in Austria to settle at 7.6% in 2022. This particularly high value represents the highest inflation since the crude oil crisis in the 1970s. Inflation is also expected to remain above the target of 1.9% in the coming years.

July 11, 2022

Displaced Persons From Ukraine Now Have Access to Family Allowance

Families displaced from Ukraine can now apply for Austrian family allowance. As a result of this announcement, a loophole in the law has been closed, making it possible for all Ukrainians in Austria to claim social benefits. It will be introduced in the National Council on Friday.

July 8, 2022

No More Compulsory Vaccination and New Regulations in Vienna: What You Need to Know

Austria's National Council announced at the end of this week that compulsory vaccination would be abolished. Contrary to this announcement, Vienna is tightening its mandatory masking in the health sector. In recent weeks, the number of cases has been increasing, which is why this step was necessary.

July 8, 2022

Vienna Airport Wins Award as Best Airport in Europe

Vienna International Airport recently received the "Best European Airport 2022" award from the Airports Council International. The airport particularly stood out for its new Terminal 2, which was only completed this year. But the high reliability, service quality and measures to reduce CO2 were praised.

July 7, 2022

Salzburg Festival in July: Everything you Need to Know About the Cultural Event

There is no doubt that the Salzburg Festival is one of the world's most important classical music and performing arts festivals. This year, a wide variety of guests from all over the world will be attending this year's festival. The Salzburg Festival wants to offer its music-loving guests a high-quality programme. Read more if you want to learn more about this famous Austrian event!

July 5, 2022 · Updated: July 7, 2022; 13:44

American Community in Vienna Celebrates Independence Day

Today, Americans around the world celebrate the Independence Day of the United States. So does the US community in Vienna. The day, which celebrates autonomy from Great Britain, is the occasion for great celebrations in the USA and is the most important holiday of the proud nation. We wish everyone a happy celebration day!

July 4, 2022

WorldSkills - "World Apprentice Championships" to be Held in Austria

The 46th WorldSkills was scheduled to be held in Shanghai, China, from October 12-17, but had to be canceled due to the month-long covid-related lockdown. WorldSkills 2022 SpecialEdition is now spread over 15 host countries, including Austria, and will be held in Salzburg.

July 3, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Diplomacy and State Visits in Vienna

Read about the newest developments in Diplomacy in Vienna and Austria. The Dutch Royal Couple visited Austria and International Organizations in Vienna released important publications. The consequences of the Russo-Ukrainian War are making themselves felt in security issues and are changing people's lives in Vienna as well. Further, the newest developments in the Iran Nuclear talks raise hopes. The Find out more about this week's developments.

June 30, 2022

New EU Roaming Rules: What you Need to Know When Making Calls Abroad

From 1 July, new roaming regulations will come into force in the EU. These are designed to make it easier for EU citizens to use mobile data and make calls from abroad to home. Launched in 2017, the project is now being extended for another 10 years and is expected to bring significant benefits for businesses and EU citizens.

June 30, 2022

Reform of the Red-White-Red Card: Facilitation for Foreign Workers

In order to cope with the acute shortage of skilled workers in Austria, access to the Austrian labour market is to be facilitated for foreign workers in the future. The application procedure is to be made easier and the criteria for obtaining the Red-White-Red Card are to be reduced.

June 29, 2022

Dutch Royal Couple Visits Austria

The Dutch royal couple, His Majesty Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, and Her Majesty Máxima, Queen of the Netherlands traveled to Vienna for a state visit. The three-day visit is mainly about strengthening bilateral relations between Austria and the Netherlands and the effects of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine on Europe.

June 27, 2022

Vienna Once Again the World's Most Livable City

Vienna is once again the world's most liveable city. In a ranking by the "Economist", Vienna has once again taken the top spot for the first time since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and is very pleased. The city came out on top in a field of 140 cities around the world.

June 24, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Newest Developments in Diplomacy and Vienna

Read about the newest developments in Diplomacy in Vienna and Austria. Further, Austria is strengthening its efforts in aiding Ukraine, international politics and local grievances. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov visited Iran. The Find out more about this week's developments.

June 23, 2022

Politicians in Vienna Demand Easier Access to Austrian Citizenship

Heated debates recently took place in Vienna's provincial parliament when the parties jointly discussed making it easier to obtain Austrian citizenship. Besides fears that such a facilitation would "devalue" Austrian citizenship, there was also a lot of support and calls for a more open Austria. The debate was fuelled by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, who had recently spoken out in favour of a simpler process in an interview.

June 21, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Diplomacy and Newest Developments in Vienna and Austria

Read about the newest developments in Diplomacy in Vienna and Austria. Further, Austria is strengthening its efforts to fight global and local grievances. Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg visited Serbia and Kosovo. The Find out more about this week's developments.

June 19, 2022

IAEA Cancer Care Initiative Receives €9 Million

IAEA has received over €9 million, pledged by six countries, to support its new cancer care initiative, "Rays of Hope". The initiative wants to establish and expand radiotherapy services, with a particular focus on countries, that completely lack facilities for radiation treatment.

June 16, 2022

Vienna Airport Pleased with Rising Passenger Numbers

Vienna Airport can be pleased with a significant increase in visitor numbers in May. Despite continuing lower passenger numbers than in the same month before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, five times more people flew through Vienna Airport than in May 2019. Read on if you want to learn more about Vienna Schwechat Airport!

June 15, 2022

Vienna Stock Exchange Prize 2022 Back on Stage Again

This year, for the first time, the Vienna Stock Exchange Award went to the Styrian printed circuit board manufacturer AT&S. Second and third place went to the oil and gas group OMV and the building materials manufacturer Wienerberger. The prize was awarded for the 15th time.

June 15, 2022

Art Collector and Billionaire Heidi Goess-Horten Deceased

The famous Austrian billionaire Heidi Goëss-Horten died unexpectedly this weekend at her home on Lake Wörthersee. Horten was best known for her great passion for art and her large collection of artworks. She passed away at the age of 81. If you want to learn more about this great Austrian personality, read her obituary here.

June 13, 2022

Diplomats in Austria March for Equality at Vienna Pride

Diplomats in Vienna marched for equality at one of the most important events of the Vienna pride, the Rainbow Parade. Learn more about "Diplomats for Equality" and today's event for peace and equality.

June 11, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Austrian Efforts in International Politics, IAEA Concerns and Russian War in Ukraine

Austria is strengthening its efforts in foreign policy and international cooperation. The IAEA is expressing its concerns about nuclear security in Iran and Ukraine. The Russian war in Ukraine is causing serious questions about human rights and European security. The Find out more about this week's developments.

June 11, 2022

Austrian Foreign Ministry Nominates 25 New Acts for "The New Austrian Sound of Music"

Austria's successful music grant program enters its eighth round. The Austrian Foreign Ministry will nominate 25 new acts for "The New Austrian Sound of Music". Learn more about this program in cultural diplomacy.

June 10, 2022