Vienna's International Organizations, Missions & Institutes

Read the latest headlines about diplomatic missions and international organizations in Vienna and Austria

OSCE in Deep Crisis: Russia's Veto Paralyses Europe's Largest Security Body

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is facing its most profound crisis as Russian vetoes block critical decisions, endangering the stability and functionality of the world's most extensive security body. This stalemate emerges from Moscow's continued aggression towards Ukraine, exacerbating tensions between OSCE member states.

September 28, 2023

Austria Advocates Accelerated EU Integration of the Western Balkans

Austria's Minister of European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg show a profound commitment to the integration of the Western Balkan countries into the European Union (EU). They recently sent concrete proposals in a letter and a "non-paper" to EU External Relations Commissioner Josep Borrell and Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi. The central theme of these proposals is to accelerate the enlargement process and clarify the agenda for 2024 and beyond.

September 27, 2023

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the International Organizations in Vienna

Abdullah bin Khaled Tawlah, Saudi Arabia's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Abdullah bin Khaled Tawlah, the new permanent representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the International Organizations in Vienna.

September 27, 2023

Possible Spy Ring: Ex-Wirecard Manager and Suspected Russian Spies on Trial

British investigators suspect that former Wirecard manager and Austrian Jan Marsalek was involved in a spy network acting for Russia. This information became known through a communication from the British public prosecutor's office and was later reported by BBC and "Spiegel".

September 26, 2023

Meet the New Permanent Observer of the European Union to the International Organizations in Vienna

Carl Hallergard, the EU's new diplomat in Vienna has the challenging task of coordinating the EU's interests within complex multilateral organizations that aim to ensure peace, stability, and democracy across its member states. Meet Ambassador, Carl Hallergard, the new permanent observer of the European Union to the International Organizations in Vienna.

September 25, 2023

FPÖ-Delegation Visits Taliban in Afghanistan

Several members of the FPÖ (Freedom Party of Austria) traveled to Afghanistan and met, among others, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The meeting became known through a press release from the Afghan Foreign Ministry, which also published a photo of the delegation.

September 25, 2023

Japanese Takeda Lays Foundation Stone for "Laboratory of the Future" in Vienna's Urban Lakeside Aspern

In a symbolic act, the foundation stone was laid for Takeda's "Laboratory of the Future" in Vienna's Seestadt Aspern. With an investment of around 120 million euros, the Japanese pharmaceutical giant represents the company's largest investment to date in Austria in a technically and ecologically optimized new building for biopharmaceutical research and development.

September 22, 2023

Tensions Escalate in Nagorno-Karabakh: The International Community Calls for Immediate Action

The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the contested territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan, is once again on a knife's edge. Recent developments have escalated tensions, threatening regional stability and raising urgent humanitarian concerns. International organizations like the OSCE and UN are deeply concerned and have convened special meetings to address the issue.

September 21, 2023

Three Seas Initiative Summit Concludes with Resounding Commitments and Strong Support for Ukraine

During the 8th edition of the Three Seas Initiative Summit, the prestigious halls of the Cotroceni Palace welcomed Central and Eastern European leaders. This gathering was a demonstration of unity and determination against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical tension. On this same occasion, the President of Austria stressed support for Ukraine and the common fight against global warming.

September 20, 2023

Austria's Air Future: Embraer's C-390 Set to Replace the Stalwart C-130

In a landmark decision, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, flanked by National Armaments Director Major General Harald Vodosek, announced the intended replacement for the Austrian Armed Forces' reliable yet aging C-130 "Hercules": the Embraer C-390.

September 20, 2023

EU-Mercosur Pact: Austria's Balancing Act between Trade Opportunities and Sustainability

The discussion about the free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur countries - Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay - is entering a new round. While some see the treaty as an opportunity to intensify trade between the two economic areas, others raise serious concerns about its impact on the environment and social standards.

September 19, 2023

Austrian Representatives at the UN General Assembly in New York

The UN General Assembly, which is taking place in New York this year, will see strong representation from Austria. With Federal President Alexander van der Bellen and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg at the forefront, Austria wants to convey its messages clearly.

September 19, 2023

OMV to Supply Air France-KLM 2,000 Tons of Sustainable Jet Fuel

OMV, a Vienna-based integrated company specializing in energy, fuels, and commodities, has taken a decisive step towards promoting more sustainable aviation practices. It has signed an off-take agreement to supply 2,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Air France-KLM Group for 2023.

September 18, 2023

AACC Organised the “Ambassadors’ Meeting” at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna

The Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC), in harmonious collaboration with the Vienna School of International Studies or Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, successfully conducted the “Ambassadors’ Meeting”.

September 17, 2023

Austrian Armed Forces Continue to Provide Protection for Embassies in Vienna

To support the police and secure embassies and other critical objects in Vienna, the Austrian Armed Forces have extended the duration of their assistance mission until March 31, 2024.

September 17, 2023

Discrimination on the Housing Market: A Growing Problem in Austria

A recent SORA study conducted on behalf of the Ombud for Equal Treatment highlights a serious problem in Austria's real estate market: racism and discrimination. People with foreign-sounding names or accents have significantly fewer chances of being invited to view an apartment compared to people with typical Austrian names.

September 14, 2023

Austria EU Representative Selmayr at Dispute Because Of "Blood Money" Statement

EU representative Martin Selmayr has called Austrian gas payments to Russia "blood money". Now reprimanded by Vienna and Brussels, EU Commission representative Martin Selmayr does not want to give up his job in Austria.

September 14, 2023

Skills Shortage in Austria: Companies Feel Pressure, But Also Opportunities

A recent study by the recruiting platform Stepstone shows that the shortage of skilled workers is leaving a clear mark on Austria's companies. Two-thirds of respondents are concerned about the additional workload caused by unfilled positions. This is despite a slight increase in advertised vacancies of 2 percent in the first half of the year, with some sectors such as engineering, care, and construction even seeing significant increases.

September 13, 2023

Historic Center of Vienna Remains on the UNESCO Red List

The historic center of Vienna remains on UNESCO's red list of endangered World Heritage Sites despite recent changes to the Heumarkt project. This was decided by UNESCO. Now it is being examined whether the project is compatible with World Heritage in this way.

September 13, 2023

19th Salzburg Europe Summit 2023: "Europe: Setting out for New Horizons"

From September 24 to 26, 2023, the Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) invites you to the 19th Salzburg Europe Summit at the Salzburg Congress. More than 700 participants from all over Europe are expected to discuss together the current challenges and opportunities of the continent.

September 12, 2023

Austrian Army Modernizes its Tank Fleet in Germany

In the presence of the Minister of Defense, Klaudia Tanner the first "Leopard" main battle tank from Wels was handed over to the European armaments company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter Defence Systems (KNDS). The aim of this initiative is to modernize the tank so that it meets current technological and military requirements.

September 11, 2023

Green Peak Festival 2023: Austria's Pioneer for Climate Protection and Entrepreneurship

The renowned Green Peak Festival, which has established itself in the heart of Vienna as Austria's flagship event for sustainability and entrepreneurship, impressed once again. For the second year in a row, over 800 participants gathered to network, exchange ideas and discuss the latest developments in sustainability. The project was supported this year by the Embassy of Israel.

September 11, 2023

New Regulations in Vienna: Year-round Outdoor Cafés and Green Parklets

In an innovative response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Vienna has adopted new regulations for catering establishments and public lounges. Both Schanigärten (Viennese Outdoor Cafés) and the green parklets known as "Grätzloasen" are now allowed to remain in public spaces all year round.

September 10, 2023

OSCE Chairman Osmani and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Held a Critical Telephone Call About the OSCE

Since February 24, 2022, stress and depression have increased significantly in the OSCE. This is because the most important political decisions in the OSCE require the consent of all 57 governments. However, this consensus rule is blocked mainly by Russia, which severely limits the organization's ability to act. OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani, who is also the foreign minister of North Macedonia, had a critical telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

September 7, 2023

Austria's Ex-Economy Minister Schramböck in Saudi Arabia: Progress on Women's Rights and Economic Opportunities

The former Austrian Minister of Economy, Margarete Schramböck, has given insights into her new professional activities in Saudi Arabia in an interview with the magazine "trend". She is currently on the board of Aramco Digital, a digital subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, which was founded in spring 2023. Schramböck plays an important role there, which she describes as "between the executive board and the supervisory board."

September 7, 2023

Meet the Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of The Netherlands to the United Nations in Vienna

Peter Potman, Dutch Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Peter Potman, the new permanent representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.

September 6, 2023

Israeli Ambassador Received Federal Association Medal for Services to the Jewish Community in Austria

In a moving ceremony, Israeli Ambassador Mordechai Rodgold was awarded the "Great Golden Medal of Honor" by the Federal Association of Jewish Communities in Austria. This honor not only marked a remarkable recognition of his work but was also the first time that an Israeli ambassador was awarded this medal. In the presence of leading community representatives and dignitaries, the award ceremony became both an emotional farewell and a celebration of the close ties between Ambassador Rodgold and the communities in Vienna and throughout Austria.

September 6, 2023

Austria's Ambassadors' Conference 2023 Under the title "Austria's Eyes and Ears in the World"

Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg opened this year's Foreign Ministry Ambassadors' Conference, which is taking place this week in Vienna. The week-long conference brings together the heads of Austrian embassies and permanent representations to deepen mutual exchange and intensify cooperation with their colleagues in Vienna.

September 5, 2023

House of History Austria Sets an Example with Special Guided Tours to the "Hitler Balcony"

The House of Austrian History (hdgö) is adding two special tours at short notice to its program, which will take a look at the so-called "Hitler Balcony". The tours will take place on September 7 and 14, 2023, and will be led by Director Monika Sommer under the title "(K)ein Hitler-Balkon" (No Hitler Balcony).

September 4, 2023

Ceremonial Reception for the Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Türkiye

Given the Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Türkiye, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Ozan Ceyhun, and Military Attaché Colonel Serdar Mercan invited to a reception. The event took place at the Turkish Embassy in Vienna and also marked the first diplomatic meeting after the summer break.

August 31, 2023

Real Estate Prices in Austria Increased: Housing Increasingly Less Affordable

The cost of residential real estate in Austria has risen dramatically in recent years, significantly affecting affordability for many households. According to a recent analysis conducted by UniCredit Bank Austria, residential property prices in the euro area have risen faster than incomes. Austria has been particularly affected by this development, where property prices have actually fallen by almost 40 percent compared with incomes.

August 31, 2023

European Forum Alpbach 2023: A Turning Point for Europe's Future

The European Forum Alpbach (EFA) is entering a new round and is increasingly focusing on topics that will significantly shape Europe's role in the world. Under the motto "Bold Europe", decision-makers from business, politics, science, art, and culture are meeting in Tyrol to work together on solutions to pressing challenges.

August 30, 2023 · Updated: August 31, 2023; 09:37

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Hungary to the International Organizations in Vienna

Ferenc Dancs, Hungary's new diplomat in Vienna has the challenging task of navigating Hungary's interests within complex multilateral organizations that aim to ensure peace, stability, and democracy across its member states. Meet Ambassador, Ferenc Dancs, the new permanent representative of the Republic of Hungary to the International Organizations in Vienna.

August 30, 2023

International Day Against Nuclear Tests: Pressure on Key States Grows

The International Day Against Nuclear Testing is a global action established by the UN General Assembly in 2009. This day aims to draw attention to the "devastating and harmful effects" that nuclear testing has on people and the environment. The UN, represented by the Secretary-General, and international actors such as Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg are increasing pressure on so-called key states to finally ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

August 29, 2023

Jewish New Year Concert at the Vienna Konzerthaus Celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the State of Israel

The Vienna Israelite Community organizes the concert, which takes place within the framework of the 75th anniversary of the State of Israel. All performing artists have a connection to Israel and have now been introduced.

August 28, 2023

Interpol and UNODC Strengthen Global Fight Against Forestry Crime with Norway's Support

In a bid to combat forestry crime on a global scale, an international coalition spearheaded by Interpol and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) supported by Norway has inaugurated the second stage of a revolutionary initiative, LEAP II.

August 27, 2023

Meet the Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Angola to the United Nations in Vienna

Isabel de Jesus da Costa Godinho, Angola's Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented her credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Dennis Thatchaichawalit. Meet Ambassador, Isabel de Jesus da Costa Godinho, the new permanent representative of the Republic of Angola to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.

August 27, 2023

Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg at Crimea Platform

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg virtually participated in the Crimea Platform Summit - an initiative of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs working to restore Ukraine's full sovereignty over Crimea in accordance with international law. The meeting took place on the eve of Ukrainian Independence Day.

August 23, 2023

Austrian Integration Fund Language Portal: Innovative German Learning with over 5,000 Exercises

The newly launched ÖIF language portal presents itself as the largest learning platform in the German-speaking world. Over 25,000 people use the services of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) every day to improve their German language skills.

August 23, 2023

Meet the Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations in Vienna

Ian David Grainge Biggs, Australia's Ambassador and Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Ian David Grainge Biggs, the new permanent representative of Australia to the International Organizations in Vienna and Ambassador to Austria.

August 22, 2023

Vietnam and UN Strengthen Collaboration on Commercial Law Reforms

In a move to enhance cooperation between Vietnam and the United Nations, a significant memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam and the secretariat of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).

August 21, 2023

Vienna Stock Exchange: Focus on International Investors and Sustainability

The Vienna Stock Exchange continues its course of attracting international investors while promoting sustainable investment opportunities. A recently published study on the ownership structure of institutional free float in the ATX Prime, conducted every two years by S&P Global Market Intelligence (formerly IHS Markit) on behalf of the Vienna Stock Exchange, shows that international institutional investors continue to play a major role.

August 21, 2023

Austrian Journalists Club Demands Release of Julian Assange

The Austrian Journalists Club (ÖJC) joins the call of German sections of some international organizations and German NGOs for the immediate release of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

August 21, 2023

Austria's Universities with Successful Placements in International University Rankings

The current "Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities" continues to show a dominance of U.S. universities, 15 of which occupy the top 20 positions in the ranking. The University of Vienna (Uni Wien) is Austria's best-ranked university and is within the top 150, maintaining its position compared to the previous year. In total, five Austrian universities made it into the top 500, compared to six in the previous year.

August 17, 2023

Austria's Consumer Protection Ministry Mandates Action Against Banks for Low Interest Rates

According to the Consumer Protection Ministry, the practice of Austrian banks of charging high-interest rates on overdrafts while granting no interest at all on credit balances is meeting with growing resentment among consumers.

August 16, 2023

OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani Visited Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan

During his recent diplomatic tour, Bujar Osmani, the Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and also the Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, concluded his official visits to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The purpose of his trip was to strengthen regional cooperation and enhance the OSCE's involvement in addressing the diverse security challenges prevalent in the region.

August 16, 2023

Austria Against Faith in Nuclear Deterrence

On the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg stresses the urgency of nuclear disarmament. The terrible effects and the immeasurable human suffering caused by nuclear weapons must continue to be raised awareness.

August 6, 2023

Austria's Successful Green Budgeting and Emission Reduction Efforts

The Climate Team, newly established in the Austrian Ministry of Finance, has presented essential results and analyses in recent months to bring Austria closer to the goal of a cost-effective and socially acceptable transformation in climate protection. In fact, the European Commission, OECD, and World Bank have all recognized Austrian green budgeting as a best practice.

July 30, 2023

Austrian Minister of Social Affairs Travels to Moldova for Working Visit

In an official trip, the Austrian Minister of Health and Social Affairs, Johannes Rauch, visits the Republic of Moldova to negotiate bilaterally with Moldovan ministerial counterparts and representatives of WHO, EU, and NGOs.

July 26, 2023

Strengthening Diplomatic Ties: Outcomes of Austrian-Armenian Meeting in Vienna

The meeting between the Austrian and Armenian Foreign Ministers addressed crucial regional and global issues, including migration, security, and humanitarian challenges. The signing of the Readmission Agreement Protocol and discussions on various topics laid a foundation for further cooperation and diplomatic efforts between the two nations.

July 25, 2023