Vienna's International Organizations, Missions & Institutes

“Operation Luxor”: Nehammer's PR Success That Turned Into a Judicial Debacle With a Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit in the U.S.

The major crackdown on “political Islam” staged by then-Interior Minister Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) to great media fanfare has since proven to be a legal “fiasco.” Almost five years after the spectacular operation, a large-scale police raid against suspected members of the Muslim Brotherhood in Austria, the affair has taken a new turn.

August 12, 2025

Economic Recovery According to WIFO Still a Long Way Off in Austria

While the economy in the eurozone has largely stabilized, Austria remains in a phase of stagnation, according to the latest economic report from the Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO). Domestic growth is stagnating, the labor market is weakening, and inflation is rising again more sharply. Industry in particular is in a prolonged recession, while only public services are showing momentum.

August 11, 2025

Celebration of the 98th Anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army at the Chinese Embassy in Vienna

A formal reception was held in Vienna to mark the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). The event, organized by the Chinese Embassy, brought together Ambassador Qi Mei and Defense Attaché Ji Xinqi, as well as high-ranking Austrian generals and guests from various sectors of society.

August 10, 2025

Just in Time for the End of Summer: Vienna Public Transportation Ends Summer Construction Projects

The major summer construction spurt at Wiener Linien is coming to an end. Just in time for the start of school on September 1, numerous restrictions on the tram and subway network will be lifted. According to Wiener Linien, the extensive modernization work, which is intended to strengthen the backbone of public transport in the Danube metropolis, is on schedule.

August 10, 2025

Austrian Diplomacy Strengthens Partnerships with Landlocked Developing Countries in Central Asia

At an important UN conference in Turkmenistan, Austria once again reaffirmed its role as a strong partner for landlocked developing countries. State Secretary Sepp Schellhorn, who attended the conference, emphasized the importance of deeper regional cooperation and modern logistics networks to compensate for the particular geographical disadvantages of these countries.

August 10, 2025

UNODC: War is Transforming Ukraine's Criminal Landscape

The war in Ukraine has significantly altered the country's criminal landscape and caused considerable social and economic damage. In a report, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) examined the development of organized crime in the fourth year of the war and found that criminal groups have adapted their business models to the new reality.

August 6, 2025

Slovenian Ambassador Geržina Speaks Out on Scandal Surrounding Police Raid at Peršmanhof

The police operation at Peršmanhof, a memorial site for the resistance in Carinthia, has caused diplomatic tensions. In particular, the Slovenian ambassador to Austria, Aleksander Geržina, has sharply criticized the authorities' actions and called for a swift investigation.

August 6, 2025

Kaufhaus Tyrol in Innsbruck Sold After Signa Bankruptcy

The sale of the Kaufhaus Tyrol department store in Innsbruck, once a prestigious project of Signa founder René Benko, is now officially complete. As part of the bankruptcy proceedings of Signa Prime Selection AG, the newly founded company KHT AcquiCo SARL has taken over the downtown department store.

August 6, 2025

Austria's Armed Forces Want Own Satellites for Greater Independence

The Austrian Armed Forces are finalizing their plans to venture into space. According to an announcement by the Ministry of Defense, the first Austrian satellites are scheduled to be launched in late 2026 or early 2027. The aim is to reduce dependence on other countries for important satellite services and to establish an independent infrastructure in space.

August 5, 2025

50 Years of the Helsinki Final Act: A Compass in Turbulent Times

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) celebrated the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act with a series of high-profile events in Helsinki, featuring speeches by Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The historic pact, signed in 1975 amid the Cold War, is hailed by heads of state and government as a fundamental document for European security and cooperation. Despite serious challenges, particularly Russia's war against Ukraine, the continued relevance of the Helsinki principles was reaffirmed.

August 4, 2025

Chinese Ambassador QI Mei Strengthens Relations During Working Visit to Salzburg

China's ambassador to Austria, QI Mei, used the Salzburg Festival as an opportunity to strengthen relations between China and Austria. She paid an official working visit to the province of Salzburg, which was marked by political exchange, cultural diplomacy, and economic cooperation.

August 3, 2025

FPÖ Warns of Impending Gas Shortage and Dependence on the U.S.

The FPÖ is sounding the alarm and urgently warning the EU of an impending gas shortage that could be triggered by the Union's climate targets and possible supply stoppages from abroad. In a recent press release, the party once again describes EU climate policy as unrealistic and a threat to Europe's prosperity and competitiveness, warns against the U.S., and defends Russia.

August 3, 2025

Austria's EU Ambassador Resigns After Rumors of Sexist Blog

The highest-ranking Austrian diplomat in Brussels, Thomas Oberreiter, has unexpectedly resigned from his post as Permanent Representative to the European Union. The reason for this is rumours about an explicit blog attributed to him. The diplomat denies the allegations but resigned to prevent damage to the Republic.

July 31, 2025

EU Approves 1.6 Billion Euros for Comprehensive Reforms in Austria

The European Commission today approved Austria's second payment request for €1.6 billion from the NextGenerationEU recovery plan. In doing so, the Commission confirms that Austria has successfully met the ambitious 67 milestones and targets for the second and third installments.

July 30, 2025

OPEC Fund Development Forum 2025: Global Partners Seek Ways to Build a Stronger Future

The international development community is gathering in Vienna for the fourth OPEC Fund Development Forum. Under the theme “A Transition that Strengthens Our Tomorrow,” more than 500 high-level representatives, including heads of state, ministers, and heads of international institutions, are coming together in the historic setting of the Hofburg Imperial Palace to discuss pressing global challenges.

July 29, 2025

FPÖ Files Complaint over Suspicion of Breach of Trust in EU Funding for NGOs

The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) filed a complaint on suspicion of embezzlement in connection with the payment of EU Commission subsidies to various organizations and associations. This move belongs to a greater strategy that aims to weaken European integration and instead promote a renationalization of politics.

July 29, 2025

Vienna and GLOBAL 2000 Secure Drinking Water Supply in Ukraine

The City of Vienna and the environmental protection organization GLOBAL 2000 are intensifying their long-standing cooperation to secure the drinking water supply in Ukraine. With the installation of nine additional water treatment plants in the Kharkiv region, thousands of people now have access to clean drinking water.

July 25, 2025

Uganda Opens New Vienna Mission to Power Nuclear Energy Ambitions

Uganda has strengthened its commitment to nuclear energy development with the establishment of a new diplomatic mission in Vienna. This strategic move is primarily aimed at enhancing collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as Uganda accelerates its efforts to harness nuclear power for domestic electricity generation.

July 24, 2025

Austria Considers Participation in Peace Mission in Ukraine after End of War

Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) has once again signaled that Austria could consider involving its armed forces in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine after the war ends.

July 24, 2025

Former Chancellor Karl Nehammer Becomes Vice-President of the European Investment Bank

Former Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) has been officially appointed as the new Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB). He will take up his post on September 1, 2025, succeeding Swedish Vice-President Thomas Östros. The appointment was made following a decision by the finance ministers of the 27 EU member states, who represent the EIB's shareholders, on the recommendation of Austria.

July 23, 2025

UN Drug Policy in Peril: U.S. Cuts and Global Tensions Could Spark Global Crisis

International drug policy and the organization that implements it, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), are in the midst of an unprecedented crisis. A dramatic shift in U.S. policy under Donald Trump's “might makes right” approach, drastic funding cuts, and the unexpected departure of Executive Director Ghada Waly have undermined the United Nations' long-standing consensus-building mechanisms, casting doubt on the future of global drug control.

July 22, 2025 · Updated: July 23, 2025; 14:20

Austria's Clear Stance on Gaza: Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Defends Call for Ceasefire

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) has reiterated her support for a joint statement by 28 countries calling for an immediate end to the war in the Gaza Strip, declaring it to be “clear government policy.”

July 23, 2025

North Korea Appoints New Ambassador to Austria

North Korea has reportedly named veteran diplomat Kyong Hak Min as its new ambassador to Austria, a move that could see him also represent Pyongyang at international organizations in Vienna.

July 22, 2025

Austria on Course for a Digital and Sustainable Era in Europe

The Austrian federal government has presented a positive mid-year review of its work for the first half of 2025. Chancellor Christian Stocker, Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler, and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger presented the progress made in implementing the government program and reaffirmed the goal of making Austria future-proof, securing prosperity, strengthening competitiveness, and advocating for a strong Europe, as Chancellor Stocker reiterated during his trips to Italy and France.

July 21, 2025

Andranik Hovhannisyan as Armenian Ambassador to Austria

His Excellency Andranik Hovhannisyan has been the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Republic of Austria for some time now. With an impressive career in the Armenian diplomatic service, Hovhannisyan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.

July 17, 2025

Austria Strengthens Senegal as an Anchor of Stability in West Africa

Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner welcomed her Senegalese counterpart, Birame Diop, to Vienna to discuss the critical security situation in the Sahel region, joint peacekeeping missions, and bilateral cooperation. Tanner emphasized Senegal's central role as a “stable anchor” in West Africa and underscored the need to strengthen Austrian and European engagement in the region.

July 17, 2025

Ultimatum to Iran: Four Countries set Deadline for Nuclear Agreement by End of August

Diplomatic efforts to reach a nuclear agreement with Iran are entering a critical phase. The United States and the three European powers, France, Germany, and Great Britain, have set Iran a definitive deadline of the end of August to reach an agreement on its nuclear program.

July 16, 2025

Austria's Debt Relief: A Focus on Billions

Since the turn of the millennium, Austria has waived debts amounting to around €3.4 billion owed to other countries. This information is based on a recent parliamentary response from the Ministry of Finance, which has drawn particular criticism from the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ).

July 16, 2025

An Ambassador Without a State: Manizha Bakhtari's Fight for Afghan Women

Vienna's Filmcasino hosted the powerful new documentary "The Last Ambassador," spotlighting Manizha Bakhtari, Afghanistan's Ambassador to Austria. The film portrays Bakhtari's extraordinary decision to continue serving the Afghan people despite no longer representing a recognized government, offering a poignant look into her unwavering commitment in the face of her homeland's collapse under Taliban rule.

July 15, 2025

Myanmar Takes Over Chairmanship of ASEAN Committee in Vienna

Myanmar has assumed the chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in Vienna (ACV). Ambassador Min Thein of Myanmar has pledged to continue ongoing initiatives and further strengthen the unity and commitment of the diplomatic missions of the ASEAN countries in Vienna. The handover took place during the 63rd meeting of the committee, which was chaired by Laos' chargé d'affaires in Austria, Viengxay Thammavong.

July 15, 2025

Vienna Airport Defies Global Challenges with Strong Half-Year Results

Vienna International Airport (VIE) experienced solid passenger growth in the first half of 2025, despite a slight decline in June, attributed to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. A total of 14.7 million passengers traveled through Vienna Airport between January and June, representing a 2.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

July 15, 2025

Austria Strengthens Security Partnerships with the United Kingdom and Germany

Austria has deepened its bilateral relations with the United Kingdom and Germany in a series of important security policy consultations. The high-level talks focused on current security policy challenges, strategic interests, and strengthening defense cooperation in a changing global environment.

July 15, 2025

ICMPD Director General Michael Spindelegger: Europe Ten Years After the Refuge Crisis

Ten years after the so-called “refugee crisis” of 2015, Europe is taking stock of its migration policy. While enormous progress has been made in addressing the challenges, experts such as Michael Spindelegger, Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), warn that the region continues to face growing complexities and political tensions.

July 14, 2025

Patrick Lobis Head of the EU Commission Representation in Austria

The European Commission has, for a while since handed over the management of its representation in Austria to Patrick Lobis. As the official representative of the European Commission in Austria, Lobis reports directly to President Ursula von der Leyen.

July 14, 2025

Human Rights in Austria: NGOs Make 159 Demands on the Government

According to numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the human rights situation in Austria continues to leave much to be desired. In the run-up to the United Nations' Universal Periodic Review (UPR), more than 300 civil society organizations issued a joint statement addressing an impressive 159 demands to the Austrian government.

July 14, 2025

Austria's Former Top EU General Brieger Urges Massive Increase in Military Preparedness

After three years at the helm of the European Union's Military Committee, former Austrian Chief of Staff Robert Brieger returns to Vienna and urges Europe, and Austria in particular, to drastically increase its defense readiness in light of the ongoing threat from Russia. Brieger calls for a paradigm shift—away from the Austrian Armed Forces as a disaster relief force and toward a combat-ready national defense army. A critical examination of Austrian neutrality is “inevitable” in this context.

July 14, 2025

Vienna Trilogue on the Future of the Middle East Launched: Vienna Becomes Hub for Peace Efforts

In a significant diplomatic move, Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger welcomed her counterparts from Germany, Johann Wadephul, and Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, for groundbreaking talks on the future of the Middle East. The meeting, which serves as the kick-off for a now regular “Vienna Trilogue,” focused on urgent efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid for the Palestinian civilian population, and Iran's nuclear program.

July 10, 2025

Chinese Embassy Hosts Traditional Summer Festival for China Alumni in Austria

The Chinese Embassy in Austria hosted its annual summer party for China-Alumni. Around 100 guests from various professional fields attended the event, which celebrated the deep ties and cultural exchange between China and Austria.

July 10, 2025

EU Initiates Deficit Procedure Against Austria: Finance Minister Marterbauer Remains Confident

The European Union has officially initiated an excessive deficit procedure against Austria. This step, based on a recommendation by the European Commission, was decided at a meeting of EU finance ministers in Brussels. The reason for the procedure is that Austria's budget deficit, at 4.7 percent of GDP last year and a planned 4.5 percent this year, is significantly above the 3 percent limit set in the Maastricht criteria.

July 10, 2025

OSCE Secretary General Sinirlioğlu in Paris on the Role of the OSCE in the European Security Architecture

At a time of growing international tensions, the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, concluded an official visit to Paris with talks with France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, on the crisis hotspots around Europe and the role of the OSCE.

July 9, 2025

Vienna Remains on UNESCO Red List: World Heritage Site Still Endangered

The historic center of Vienna remains on UNESCO's Red List of endangered world heritage sites. This decision was made on Wednesday at the ongoing meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, where the draft decision was adopted without amendments or discussion by collective decision.

July 9, 2025

Wirecard Scandal: Liquidator Reveals Billion-Euro Loss

Five years after its collapse, the Wirecard scandal continues to reverberate: Insolvency administrator Dr. Michael Jaffe revealed in the trial against former CEO Markus Braun that an incredible €1.1 billion was “burned” at the payment processor. While Braun claims in court that a shadow network existed, the main suspect, Jan Marsalek, remains at large, presumably in Russia.

July 9, 2025

EU Parliament Reviews Lifting of Immunity for FPÖ Politician Vilimsky

The parliamentary immunity of Harald Vilimsky, head of the FPÖ delegation in the European Parliament, is once again under discussion. As Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced in Strasbourg, a corresponding request has been forwarded by the relevant Austrian authorities to the European Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs.

July 9, 2025

U.S. Independence Day in Vienna: A Celebrations of Friendship and 250 Years of Diplomacy

During this year's celebrations of the United States' Independence Day in Vienna, Chargé d'Affaires Kami Witmer emphasized the outstanding partnership between the U.S. and Austria. This celebration, which took place in the run-up to the 250th anniversary of the United States next year, highlighted the deep historical ties and continued cooperation between the two nations.

July 7, 2025

Prix Ars Electronica 2025: Robotics and AI in the Spotlight of Media Art

The renowned Prix Ars Electronica has announced its winning projects for 2025, with robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) playing a particularly prominent role. From nearly 4,000 submissions from 98 countries, four Golden Nicas and numerous other awards were presented, underscoring the diversity and innovative power of the media art scene worldwide.

July 7, 2025

Austrian Forum for Peace 2025: Peace Work in Times of Crisis, New Approaches, and the Role of Europe

This year's Austrian Forum for Peace 2025, themed “Peace in Crisis,” has come to a successful conclusion at Friedensburg Schlaining. The four-day international conference organized by the Austrian Center for Peace (ACP) brought together over 200 experts, diplomats, scientists, and representatives of international organizations from more than 25 countries to discuss pressing issues of peace work in an increasingly fragmented world.

July 4, 2025

Order of Malta Explains the Necessity of Diplomacy in the Service of Humanity

The Sovereign Order of Malta, the world's oldest Catholic lay order, reaffirmed its pivotal role in global humanitarian aid through diplomatic channels at a reception in Vienna. Sebastian Schoenaich-Carolath, Ambassador of the Order of Malta to the Republic of Austria, emphasized the importance of the Order's unique position as a subject of international law in enabling sustainable development and emergency aid in crisis areas.

July 4, 2025

Vienna: Still Among the World's Leading Conference Cities

Vienna consolidates its position as a leading global conference destination: after taking first place in the prestigious ranking of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) in May, the city has now achieved second place worldwide for the third time in a row in the latest congress ranking of the Union of International Associations (UIA) for 2024.

July 4, 2025

Vienna Public Transport Company Opts for Air Conditioning and Increased Comfort for Passengers

Wiener Linien has recorded a record number of air-conditioned vehicles in its public transport network. According to the company, three out of four journeys on buses, subways, and trams are already air-conditioned. This is intended to make travel more comfortable for passengers, even on hot days.

July 4, 2025

Microsoft Strengthens Austria's Digital Future: Billion-Euro Investment in New Cloud Region

Technology giant Microsoft officially opened its new cloud region in Austria in the presence of State Secretary Alexander Pröll. With an investment of one billion euros and three data centers in the Vienna metropolitan area, which will go into operation in August, Microsoft is sending a strong signal for the country's digitalization and economic development.

July 3, 2025